The Toronto Blue Jays are making their mark in the World Series, showcasing a strong season with 94 wins. Their journey to the championship has included triumphs over formidable opponents like the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. However, despite their impressive offensive and defensive capabilities, the team’s bullpen presents a significant weakness.
Bulging World Series Roster Highlights Toronto’s Key Weakness
As the Blue Jays prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, they will carry a roster featuring 14 position players and 12 pitchers. This pitcher count includes five full-time starters: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt, Trey Yesavage, and Eric Lauer, who has transitioned to a relief role.
Concerns About the Bullpen
Particularly noticeable is the absence of reliable relief pitchers. The Blue Jays will enter the series with only seven effective relievers. This is one less than their roster during the American League Division Series (ALDS) and American League Championship Series (ALCS), as Yariel Rodriguez was omitted due to inconsistent performance in October.
- Rodriguez had a regular-season ERA of 3.08 but struggled in October.
- His postseason performance included three runs allowed in just one inning during ALCS games.
This decision indicates a larger issue within the bullpen; the Blue Jays lack robust alternatives. Manager John Schneider appears to have settled on a late-game strategy that relies on closer Jeff Hoffman, supported by Seranthony Dominguez and Louis Varland.
Challenges Ahead
With postseason ERAs negatively impacting pitchers like Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher, the team faces critical challenges. The absence of off days between Games 3 and 5 increases the pressure on their pitching staff. Unless Toronto’s starters can extend their outings, Schneider might need to adapt by shifting starters to short relief roles.
Potential candidates for this adjustment include ace pitchers Gausman and Yesavage. However, overusing starters may disrupt their rotation plan and pose risks against a potent Dodgers lineup.
Looking Forward
Despite these concerns, the Blue Jays have managed to excel even with bullpen struggles throughout the season. This World Series will test their limits, and while they have triumphed before, the current circumstances may prove to be the most challenging yet.
