The Toronto Blue Jays will be using a different approach to address the questions around their fifth starter spot on Saturday.
The Blue Jays will use a spot starter against the Detroit Tigers (1:10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+), manager John Schneider announced on Wednesday.
Spencer Miles could be the starter depending on his usage between now and Saturday, Schneider said.
Miles was used as an opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched three innings, allowing two hits and no runs with two strikeouts.
The Blue Jays will send Trey Yesavage to the mound in the series opener against the Tigers on Friday. Kevin Gausman will get the ball on Sunday on an extra day of rest, following his rough outing against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.
The Blue Jays had an opening in the rotation after Eric Lauer was designated for assignment.
The questions around the Jays’ rotation have also revolved around the uncertain health of Jose Berrios. The right-hander seemed to be nearing his season debut, but began to face elbow inflammation. On Tuesday, Berrios had a meeting with Dr. Keith Meister, one of the top elbow surgery doctors, and discussions are continuing over the next steps.
Schneider said the Blue Jays are “still talking through plans with doctors” about Berrios. However, the expectation is that there will be some downtime, but it’s unclear how long at this point.
Toronto will look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Rays on Wednesday (7:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+) with Dylan Cease getting the start.