Blue Jays Facing Decision After Unfortunate News on Saturday

However, the Blue Jays received unfortunate news just one day after moving Berrios to the bullpen. One of the team’s most reliable arms, Chris Bassitt, was placed on the injured list with lower back inflammation, with relief pitcher Mason Fluharty returning to the big leagues in his place.

“ROSTER MOVES: LHP Mason Fluharty recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight. RHP Chris Bassitt (low back inflammation) placed on 15-day IL,” the team wrote on X.

Bassitt was in the midst of another solid season in his third year in Toronto. The 36-year-old right-hander owns an 11-9 record, 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 32 appearances.

Schneider revealed that Bassitt's back had been bothering him for his last three to four starts, and the team is hopeful it's a short stint on the IL.

This is still a troubling development for Toronto, as Bassitt figured to start at least one game in a potential playoff series due to his experience and proven track record. Now, Schneider will be faced with a decision on who will start in his place, with Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber likely set to start the first two games of any postseason series.

Although Berrios would be an option, it’s probably unlikely as he was just moved to the bullpen. Former Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer may draw a potential start, but at 41 years old, his prime is in the past and he has struggled this year. Over 16 starts, he owns a 5.06 ERA, and during Friday’s loss against the Kansas City Royals, Scherzer allowed seven runs and failed to get out of the first inning as Toronto suffered a 20-1 loss.

Rookie sensation Trey Yesavage could draw a start given his meteoric rise to the big-league level and impressive major-league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays, setting a franchise record for most strikeouts in a debut. But with just one start under his belt, that may be a lot to ask of the team's 2024 first-round draft pick.