Blue Jays Starting Rotation Suddenly in Flux

John Schneider, Blue Jays manager, heads to mound

That once-vaunted Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation is now suddenly showing some flaws. There was Max Scherzer being absolutely obliterated by the Kansas City Royals on Friday night, giving up seven hits and seven earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning in a 20-1 pounding. And there was Chris Bassitt the day before, giving up eight hits and three runs in 4.2 innings in a 4-0 loss, and now heading to the IL with lower back tightness.

But it's Jose Berrios who is the first to get handed an official demotion, as he has been sent to the bullpen after posting a 4.96 ERA over his last seven starts.

The Blue Jays will move Jose Berrios to the bullpen for the time being. pic.twitter.com/oEunosZ1MV
— theScore (@theScore) September 20, 2025

The two-time All-Star and 10-year veteran has never pitched in relief in his entire career, but he just hasn't been a reliable starting option since June. In the months since then, he had a 5.83 ERA in July, a 4.64 ERA in August, and a 5.56 ERA in three September starts.

José Berríos will be in the bullpen moving forward. He can still start, but the conversation happened. Schneider:

“He’s a professional. There’s a reason José Berríos is José Berríos. As uncomfortable as it is, I think he gets it. That’s kind of where we are right now.” #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) September 20, 2025

“He’s a professional. There’s a reason José Berríos is José Berríos. As uncomfortable as it is, I think he gets it. That’s kind of where we are right now," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.

Berrios, however, didn't sound as positive about the move.

Jose Berrios on being available in the Blue Jays bullpen Friday and going forward:

"Honestly, I don't feel happy to talk about it. But, putting that aside, I put my team first. So, I was able to be out there with my team. That's the way I see it."
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) September 20, 2025

“Honestly, I don’t feel happy to talk about it," said Berrios, while towing the company line, adding, "I put my team first." Reports say he was clearly frustrated.

Berrios gave up three runs in four innings during his last start this past Tuesday at the Tampa Bay Rays, and didn't record a single strikeout for the first time all season.

Despite the struggles of Scherzer and the demotion of Berrios, the Jays' rotation is still in fairly good standing, at least three-strong, with the recent arrival of Shane Bieber, and the scintillating debut of top prospect Trey Yesavage this past week. Kevin Gausman has also been dominant of late.