Two veteran Toronto Blue Jays starting pitchers competing for final rotation spot
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays appear to have most of their starting rotation in place, but one job remains up for grabs as spring training unfolds.
Four spots are effectively locked in, with Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Dylan Cease, and Cody Ponce expected to anchor the staff in 2026.
The final opening was initially penciled in for Shane Bieber, but arm fatigue has delayed his buildup.
Bieber is scheduled to begin a throwing program in the coming weeks, leaving the Toronto Blue Jays in need of a short-term solution to round out the rotation.
That opportunity has created a compelling competition between veteran right-hander Jose Berrios and lefty swingman Eric Lauer.
Berrios brings a lengthy track record of durability and consistency.
Excluding the shortened 2020 campaign, he has made at least 30 starts in each of the past eight seasons, a testament to both his health and reliability.
Since 2020, Berrios ranks among just four pitchers to throw at least 975 innings, joining Logan Webb, Zack Wheeler, and teammate Kevin Gausman in that elite group.
Although he struggled down the stretch in 2025 and was not a major factor during the club's postseason run, Berrios' body of work suggests he remains a dependable option.
If he sharpens his command and regains his rhythm, he could once again play a significant role in Toronto's plans.
José Berrios turns a double play to end the first inning 👏 Watch Mets vs. Blue Jays on Sportsnet 📺
Lauer brings consistency, flexibility, long relief experience
Lauer, meanwhile, proved invaluable to the Blue Jays last season in a hybrid role.
He made 15 starts and added eight relief appearances, compiling 104.2 innings with a stellar 3.18 ERA.
His ability to shift between the rotation and bullpen gave the coaching staff flexibility throughout the year, and he often handled high-leverage situations.
His postseason contributions were particularly memorable. Lauer logged 8.2 innings across five playoff appearances, highlighted by a gutsy 4.2-inning outing in extra innings of Game 3 of the World Series.
Performances like that strengthened his case as someone capable of handling big moments.
Eric Lauer first spring start:
- 20 pitches /13 strikes
- no game plan just wanted to get into compete mode
- as far as executing, left too many pitches up in the zone
- legs were shaking during the game he was so amped for his start
«Felt like I had restless leg syndrome»
- 20 pitches /13 strikes
- no game plan just wanted to get into compete mode
- as far as executing, left too many pitches up in the zone
- legs were shaking during the game he was so amped for his start
«Felt like I had restless leg syndrome»
With Bieber's timeline still uncertain, both Berrios and Lauer have a clear path to open the season as the club's fifth starter.
The pitcher who falls short will likely slide into a long-relief role, still a critical job, but not the one either competitor is aiming for.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Berrios holds an opt-out clause following this season, while Lauer is set to become a free agent at year's end.
With future earnings and roles potentially on the line, this battle for the final rotation spot could carry significant weight for both pitchers, and for Toronto's outlook in 2026.
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