Blue Jays set rotation order

Jose Berrios was previously announced as the opening day starter after a strong spring. Kevin Gausman will slide in at number two. That was to be expected. What may surprise a few people is Max Scherzer at number three and Chris Bassitt in the fourth spot. Initially it was thought that it would be the other way round.

Those four will start in the series against Baltimore. Bowden Francis, now officially the Blue Jays number five starter, will pitch the first game against the Washington Nationals on March 31st.

While these five will lead the Blue Jays into 2025, there are others who will probably make appearances as the season wears on. Yariel Rodriguez will begin the season in the bullpen but can act as the number six starter in the event of a double header or spot start or bullpen day.

In terms of minor league depth, Jake Bloss looks to headline the list of starters at Triple-A, a ledger that could also include Eric Lauer, Eric Pardinho, and Easton Lucas, as well as the injured Adam Macko and Adam Kloffenstein. Andrew Bash could also be an option.

The good news in all of this is that Max Scherzer's problematic right thumb appears to be healthy and that the veteran and future Hall of Famer is on track to make his first start as a Blue Jay on Saturday.

While opening day is still an honour for any pitcher, the term ace carries less weight than it used to, and the rotation order will likely change based off off-days and matchups. Still, it's a solid 1-5.

Opening day is Thursday, March 27th against the Baltimore Orioles