The Blue Jays’ use of bullpen days has turned into one of the more interesting parts of their week-to-week grind, and it raises a simple question: what does all that short-term relief usage cost them later?
Teams seem to survive those games more often than you’d expect. The bigger concern is what happens in the days after, when the same arms have to keep showing up.
There’s probably some kind of tax there, even if it’s hard to measure cleanly. For Toronto, it’s not just theory.
Several relievers have piled up innings at a pace you’d normally want to avoid.
Mason Fluharty has already appeared in 71 games, the most in baseball. He’s averaged less than an inning per outing, but that still means 71 separate times warming up and putting strain on that left arm and shoulder. The obvious question is whether that usage carries into next season.
Louis Varland, Braydon Fisher and Tyler Rogers are all sitting above 60 appearances as well.
Brendon Little is another example. He led baseball with 79 appearances last year, and this season got off to a rough start.
Since returning from the minors in July, though, he’s been much better, posting a 2.81 ERA. He still walks more hitters than you’d like, but he’s also averaging 1.5 strikeouts per inning.
The bullpen days themselves remain a compelling watch because of the chess match involved. You’re always trying to figure out how the club plans to navigate all nine innings. There has to be one version of the plan for when everything is working and another for when it isn’t.
One other Jays tradition probably needs to go: the ice-water shower for the player of the day. More and more players seem to hate it.
Nathan Lukes clearly didn’t want it last night, and Louis Varland was furious when it happened a few weeks ago. Time to find something else, preferably something less wet.
There was also a good Buck Martinez quote in Rob Longley’s Sun story about Martinez’s broadcasting path. Martinez said, “I went kicking and screaming,” after Pat Gillick and Paul Beeston released him after the ’86 season and pushed him toward TV. He added that he initially refused because he still thought he could play, before Arlene told him to call them back and say he couldn’t play anymore.
And finally, Nate Tomlinson had a rough night.
In Other News...
Blue Jays May Finally Get Rotation Help At A Crucial Time
The Blue Jays have spent much of the summer managing one injury update after another, and the ripple effects have touched every part of the roster. Shane Bieber remains on the injured list with a shoulder issue, while Yimi Garcias thoracic outlet surgery has already taken him out for the 2026 season. On the brighter side, Andrs Gimnez is back from a hamstring injury, giving Toronto a healthy regular again as the club tries to hold together its depth.
Help may be on the way in the rotation soon, though, and it comes at a time when Toronto can use it most. Jameson Taillon is scheduled for a rehab start and could be back with the team next week, while rookie Trey Yesavage is still working back from knee surgery but has begun throwing and playing catch. Josh Smith is also progressing through rehab exercises and may be ready to begin rehab games soon, adding another name to a list the Blue Jays are watching closely as they wait for reinforcements. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jays Suddenly Have A Rare Chance To Fix A Lineup Need
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Surez has long been known for his power, and his track record this season and beyond is exactly why he suddenly looks appealing. Toronto is reportedly considering a claim as it searches for more offense, and the question now is whether the front office is willing to move quickly enough to get involved before the opportunity disappears. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jays Face A Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision Fans Dread
The Blue Jays have spent enough time searching for answers this season without having to make a dramatic change to the middle of their order, and for now Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains right where Toronto has long preferred him. Manager John Schneider has decided to keep Guerrero hitting in the heart of the lineup, even as the sluggers production has lagged well behind his usual standard and left the team waiting for his bat to snap back into form.
It is the kind of decision that carries real weight in a season where every lineup card gets scrutinized, because moving Guerrero lower would change the shape of the offense without necessarily solving the larger issue. Schneider has pointed out that a drop in the order could simply mean fewer chances at the plate, not less pressure or a quick fix, so the Jays are sticking with their star and hoping the approach eventually looks more like the version that has carried them before. [Read more 🡒]