How should the Blue Jays set up the pitching rotation after the All-Star break?

The Toronto Blue Jays' turnaround has caught the attention of many across Major League Baseball. Their franchise-record 54 wins before the All-Star Break were mainly due to the offensive prowess provided by the lineup, which began with their good fortune against the Texas Rangers back in May.

Still, one of the largest areas of concern going into the All-Star break is their pitching staff, specifically the back end of the starting rotation. With the carousel of pitchers stepping up to start in the four and five slots, it's safe to say it'll be a focus for the Blue Jays' management at the trade deadline.

How should the Blue Jays set up the pitching rotation after the All-Star break?

That raises the question: How should manager John Schneider set up his starting rotation with the current five in place after the All-Star Break?

1. Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt's 2025 season may be the definition of "up and down." Despite posting a 9-4 record, his ERA has risen to 4.16, his worst ERA as a starter going into an All-Star break in his career.

Bassitt is coming off a winning effort in his last start against the Chicago White Sox, throwing six innings and allowing only one earned run on 78 pitches. The low number of pitches in Tuesday's start is what could get him the nod in the Blue Jays' first game back from the All-Star break against the San Francisco Giants.

Bassitt told the media he's willing to come into any game against the Athletics in long relief thanks to his low pitch count. However, should the Blue Jays limit the usage of the bullpen this weekend, Bassitt would be a clear option to get the mound first.

2. Eric Lauer

In the vast number of options the Blue Jays have presented for what many would say the fifth starting spot, Eric Lauer has emerged as the frontrunner to fill out the rotation.

Since his first start of the season, back on May 23 against the Detroit Tigers, Lauer has posted a 3-1 record with a 2.79 ERA. His current WAR stands at 1.4, which is second-best on the pitching staff and tied for seventh when considering the entire team.

The Blue Jays should be in the market for another starting pitcher by the end of July. However, with Lauer continuing his dominance on the mound as the only lefty in the rotation, look for the Blue Jays to continue to rely on Lauer for as long as they can.

3. Max Scherzer

The start of Max Scherzer's 2025 has not gone the way he, nor the Blue Jays and their fanbase, wanted. After being out for over two months, Scherzer has settled back into the starting rotation, racking up 15 strikeouts in three starts and securing a 2-1 record.

Scherzer's immediate impact upon returning to the mound proved why he remains an essential asset to any team. There's no doubt you would still want a player like Max Scherzer eating as many innings as he can for the bullpen.

Scherzer is expected to take the mound in the first game of the Athletics series in Sacramento. A couple of extra days of rest from the All-Star Break should help Scherzer reset and continue his role in the back end of the rotation.

4. Kevin Gausman

Kevin Gausman's fourth year with the Toronto Blue Jays is still finding its footing at the halfway mark of the 2025 season.

Currently, Gausman sits at a 6-6 record with a 4.13 ERA in 18 starts. However, he's getting back into a groove after his last three starts, putting up a 1.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18.2 innings. To say Gausman's been finding his stride after his previous loss to the Diamondbacks would be an understatement.

One of those starts came against their division rival, the New York Yankees, on Canada Day. Gausman kept the Bronx Bombers at bay after five innings before the offense stepped up and secured the 12-5 win. Gausman’s next projected start would come in the first of another three-game series at home against the Yankees. Another start against their longtime foe wouldn't be the worst idea.

5. Jose Berrios

The 2025 Opening Day starter has continued to lead the way for the Blue Jays and the rotation. Berrios leads the rotation in ERA with 3.53 (with a minimum of ten starts) and has the lowest HR/9 stat at 1.0.

Berrios continues to be a workhorse on the mound, averaging six innings since the beginning of May. With only two instances of Berrios going less than six innings, he's proven he can help an overworked bullpen.

Berrios' last start before the All-Star Break comes against the Athletics. A long, extended rest may be a bit much for Toronto's ace. Ideally, you would want somebody of Berrios' caliber to take on the Yankees in a crucial division series as the race for first place rolls on.