Could the Blue Jays utilize a six-man starting rotation?
Could the Blue Jays use a six man rotation in 2025?
While nothing has been spoken of in this regard, the utilization of six starting pitchers is being more common throughout the Major Leagues.
With the ever-changing role of the starting pitcher, with starters frequently pitching fewer innings than even decade ago, teams are finding all sorts of ways to maximize both health and performance. One of these is the opener, the other is a six man rotation.
This could benefit the Blue Jays in a number of ways.
First, it would allow them to have both Yariel Rodriguez and Jake Bloss as starters, while also monitoring their pitch count and work load.
Although technically the fifth starter last year, Yariel was essentially a hybrid, rarely throwing above five innings in any of his starts. As Bloss is still relatively inexperienced, having six men in the rotation could allow them to develop without being overworked.
Now having six men will raise questions about the Blue Jays depth. With prized prospect Ricky Tiedemann out most of the year and Alek Manoah not returning until August, the Blue Jays are thin on options.
They do some choice though. Stashing both Eric Lauer and Eric Pardinho in the minor leagues would be a great start, and they would both be next men up in case of injury. The opener is another option with guys like Brendon Little, Josh Walker, or Ryan Burr the most likely candidates to fill that role. So it can work.
It remains to be seen whether a six man rotation is an option the Blue Jays will consider, but it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
