Blue Jays Shift José Berríos to Bullpen Ahead of Playoffs

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that starting pitcher José Berríos will transition to the bullpen as the team prepares for the upcoming playoffs. This decision follows a disappointing performance by the team, which lost 20-1 to the Kansas City Royals on September 19, 2025. The defeat not only halted the Blue Jays’ playoff aspirations but also underscored the need for strategic adjustments.

In a critical game, the Blue Jays needed a victory and to rely on losses from at least two of the following teams: the Tigers, Red Sox, and Guardians. Unfortunately for Toronto, not only did the team fail to win, but the Red Sox and Guardians also secured victories, leaving the Blue Jays with no opportunity to clinch a playoff spot.

A particularly troubling aspect of the game was the performance of veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who lasted only 0.2 innings and allowed seven runs. Despite entering the game with a 1-0 lead thanks to a home run from George Springer, Scherzer was unable to stabilize the situation and did not complete the first inning. He later claimed to be healthy, raising questions about his ongoing effectiveness.

With the Blue Jays trailing significantly, the bullpen was called into action early. Relief pitcher Tyler Heineman took over in the seventh inning, contributing to the onslaught by allowing ten runs, resulting in a staggering 20-1 loss. In a move to save the main relievers, Isiah Kiner-Falefa ultimately finished the game, though the damage had already been done.

Amid this turmoil, Berríos was spotted warming up in the bullpen, sparking speculation about his role. Manager John Schneider confirmed that Berríos will now be a bullpen option moving forward. He acknowledged the discomfort of the decision but emphasized the necessity of the change. Schneider stated, “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.”

Berríos, who has primarily been a starter throughout his career, has accepted this shift, though it marks a significant change as the team heads toward the playoffs. This decision signals a clear message: the Blue Jays are prioritizing performance and effectiveness as they approach crucial games.

As the team looks ahead to potential playoff matchups, the focus shifts to determining the starting rotation. With a best-of-five series on the horizon, the Blue Jays are likely to rely on pitchers Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber for the initial games. The remaining spots in the rotation will be contested among Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Trey Yesavage.

Given the current circumstances, Bassitt appears to have the edge for a starting role, while Yesavage has a chance to prove himself in an upcoming game against the Royals. Scherzer, on the other hand, faces uncertainty as his recent outings have raised concerns about his performance and longevity.

With the latest results, the Blue Jays still have an outside chance for the playoffs, with a magic number of three needed to qualify. Additionally, the team must secure five wins to claim the division title and achieve a first-round bye. As the season draws to a close, the Blue Jays are under pressure to finalize their roster decisions and solidify their strategy for the postseason.