Do the Blue Jays use Max Scherzer in the rotation or the bullpen for the postseason?

The Toronto Blue Jays are officially postseason-bound in 2025. As October approaches rapidly, a few questions are lingering about pitching and who will make the final roster for the postseason. One question in particular is how the Blue Jays utilize Max Scherzer.

Before the debate goes further, the easiest answer is to include him in the starting rotation. Without a doubt, Scherzer’s 18-year veteran stint has earned him a spot in the starting rotation, backed by an above-average performance so far in 2025. The eight-time all-star pitcher comes with valuable experience on the mound and in the postseason. Despite the arguable numbers this year, Scherzer is still a big-game pitcher with big-game energy.

His veteran presence, along with his preparation style, is very beneficial for a Blue Jays rotation that may still be novice to October baseball. So where does he fit in? Truthfully, he can assist in both roles: the bullpen and the rotation. 

Max Scherzer could be effective in the rotation under certain limitations

The right-hander could squeeze his way into a rotational spot. The reservations behind this stem from the fact that the battle with his thumb has been constant. The reality of the flare-ups is present, and mitigation needs to be configured if that does happen. 

Scherzer averages five innings per start this season. His current pitching line for 2025 shows 16 total starts with a 5-4 record and 80 innings of work. His 16 starts show that he’s capable of keeping the role. He has eight of his starts (50%) meeting the criteria for the label “quality start”. In those eight outings, he’s pitched more than five innings. Scherzer’s sweet zone is between three to five innings of work at a competitive pace. He keeps the walks at a minimum (2.6 BB/9) and still shows solid strikeout numbers (8.7 K/9) despite the up-and-down year. 

As his velocity is not the same, going out for longer than that puts him in a vulnerable situation. He’ll remain more untouched before six innings of work, then the bullpen taps in. As long as John Schneider and his staff work the load management method for injury and quality innings, Scherzer should be good to start in the rotation. 

The bullpen is also a good landing spot for the right-handed veteran

Scherzer’s last start against the Kansas City Royals on September 19th was ugly. This can happen to anyone at any time; however, these blow-ups set the tone for the game at hand. Posting an outing like that in a postseason setting could be detrimental to the flow of the team and the usage of the bullpen.