Blue Jays' General Manager Ross Atkins exploring free agency for rotation depth

Toronto has not had a defined fifth starter since Max Scherzer went on the injured list. Easton Lucas got the first look and made four starts.

He pitched well through two outings but was hit hard in the next two appearances and optioned to Triple-A. An off day allowed them to operate with a four-man rotation comprising Kevin Gausman, José Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis for one turn.

They selected Eric Lauer onto the big league roster on Wednesday. He worked four innings behind opener Yariel Rodriguez in his team debut.

Lauer was the only particularly experienced starter working out of the Triple-A rotation. There aren't going to be huge free agent upgrades available in early May, of course, but it's understandable that the Jays would look to add some kind of veteran help.

Spencer Turnbull went unsigned all offseason but was reportedly throwing for teams last month. Veteran swingman José Ureña elected free agency yesterday after being waived by the Mets.

Right-hander Dane Dunning is not a free agent but is likely to land on waivers in the next few days after being designated for assignment by the Rangers.

Lucas, Jake Bloss and Adam Macko are the team's three minor league starters who occupy 40-man roster spots. Bloss made three MLB starts for the Astros last year.

He owns a 5.75 ERA over 20 1/3 innings for Triple-A Buffalo. Macko has yet to make his major league debut and has been out all season rehabbing Spring Training meniscus surgery.

Scherzer's injured list stint has gone beyond a month. He went on the IL on March 30 after experiencing continued nerve discomfort in his thumb. He's had a series of cortisone shots in recent weeks.

Manager John Schneider told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet and other reporters that the three-time Cy Young winner completed a high-intensity, two-inning bullpen session on Friday. It remains unclear when he might begin a rehab assignment.