Blue Jays: A Strong Contender But Battling Internal Issues

The Toronto Blue Jays have been making waves in the MLB this season, emerging as one of baseball's top teams. As they head into the final month of the season, they're holding a solid 2.5-game lead in the American League East, surprising many who didn’t expect them to be a playoff threat.

Bullpen Concerns Cloud Playoff Prospects

However, a rocky bullpen has cast doubt on their postseason aspirations, especially as they rely heavily on closer Jeff Hoffman. The situation came to a head in a disheartening game against the Cincinnati Reds, where Chris Bassitt pitched a commendable six innings with only two runs allowed, yet the Blue Jays squandered a 4-2 lead in the ninth, ultimately falling 5-4.

Bassitt Stands Up for His Team

After the agonizing loss, Bassitt offered a thoughtful assessment, opting not to point fingers at his teammates. He highlighted that the starters, including himself, need to pitch deeper into games to relieve some pressure from the bullpen. “I know there’s probably a lot of hatred, so to speak, on the bullpen, but I mean those guys are tired,” he noted, showcasing his loyalty despite the underwhelming performance.

A Closer Look at the Stats

But just how fatigued are the Blue Jays' pitchers this season? Bassitt's comments prompt a deeper dive into the numbers. The Blue Jays' starting rotation, expected to be a powerhouse, features renowned names like Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and newcomer Shane Bieber. Yet, these starters have posted a 4.35 ERA, placing them at 20th in the league, and their 722.2 innings pitched ranks them right in the middle at 15th.

Bullpen: Overworked or Underperforming?

Meanwhile, the bullpen has a 4.12 ERA, slightly better than the starters but still far from a dominant force. They have logged 502.1 innings, making them the 13th most-used bullpen in MLB—64 innings more than Tampa Bay's underutilized group, yet 62 fewer than the heavily relied-upon Dodgers.

Looking Ahead: Can the Blue Jays Turn It Around?

While Bassitt's comments highlight the strain the pitching staff is under, they also reveal the need for improvement within the starting rotation. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Blue Jays must find a way to bolster their pitching or risk watching their promising season slip away.