Blue Jays Adjust Rotation to Face Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays have modified their starting rotation for the weekend against the New York Yankees, with Chris Bassitt scheduled to pitch on Saturday and Max Scherzer on Sunday. Scherzer, a 41-year-old right-handed pitcher, had to leave his start against Milwaukee last Sunday due to back stiffness.Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is 5-2 with a 4.11 ERA in 13 starts and 4-1 with a 3.36 ERA since August 1. He was sidelined between March 29 and June 25 due to inflammation in his right thumb. Bassitt, a 36-year-old right-handed pitcher, has an 11-7 record with a 4.10 ERA.We just wanted to give Max an extra day to feel better about his upper back. He threw yesterday.
John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager
Seeking their first division title since 2015, Toronto entered the series with a three-game lead over New York in the American League East. Gardener Anthony Santander, out of action since May 29 due to a partial dislocation of the left shoulder, could begin a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues on Tuesday with Buffalo.After Max’s last opening, I was ready for it if necessary and it should be fine to launch.
John Schneider, Manager of the Blue Jays
After signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract, Santander was batting .179 with six home runs and 18 RBIs before going on the injured list. He injured his shoulder when he fell over a low fence in Anaheim in the sixth inning on May 8 while attempting to catch a foul ball by Tim Anderson. Santander was replaced in the ninth inning, returned on May 13, and batted .122 (5 for 41) with two RBIs in 14 games before going on the injured list. In bullpen moves, Toronto called up right-handed pitcher Braydon Fisher from Triple-A Buffalo and sent right-handed pitcher Dillon Tate to the Bisons.Tony is here for the weekend increasing his performance with his right hand. We didn’t want him to play in games until he felt a little more comfortable with his right hand.
John Schneider, Manager of the Blue Jays
