Should the Blue Jays prepare for another bullpen game in ALCS against the Mariners?

The Toronto Blue Jays' last bullpen game resulted in their biggest win since 2016, a day that advanced them to the ALCS, while allowing just two earned runs. So, the simple answer is: why not prepare for another bullpen game?

Last Wednesday, skipper John Schneider performed a management masterclass, as he called upon eight different relievers on route to a 5-2 win to send the Blue Jays to the next round. Among the eight relievers, only Mason Fluharty and Jeff Hoffman allowed earned runs (one each), as the bullpen dominated the New York Yankees, which was one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball this year.

The bullpen game in Game 4 of the series followed stellar performances by Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage in Games 1 and 2, although Bieber was a bit shaky in Game 3.

Per Schneider, Gausman is lined up to pitch Game 1 once again, this time to kick off the ALCS. If the rest of the pitching plans remain the same, which Schneider confirmed on Saturday, Yesavage and Bieber are scheduled to pitch the following games.

One of the big questions that fans will have is whether they turn to another bullpen game or to Chris Bassitt, whose current health isn't certain. Another massive uncertainty with Bassitt comes down to his home and road splits this regular season.

Bassitt pitched in 16 home games and 16 road games in 2025. Among the home games, he pitched to a 2.71 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and an 8-0 record. The road games? An abysmal 5.47 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP, going 3-9. If Bassitt's health is up to par, he would need to start a road game in the ALDS, and his sample size is big enough to be very concerned, although the number of Jays fans at T-Mobile Park may make it feel more like a home game.

On the flip side, Schneider pointed to the possibility of Bassitt being involved in some way, due to the fact that this is a best-of-seven series; however, he didn't give much more information than that.

Given Bassitt’s inconsistency away from home and question marks about his back injury, the Blue Jays may be better off leaning into their bullpen depth. A bullpen game setup would also play to specific strengths, which were displayed in Game 4 against the Yankees.

Schneider never let them get comfortable, considering he ended up using eight different arms. While stacking up the Blue Jays' bullpen versus the Mariners' bullpen, the edge is slightly in favour of Toronto.

Toronto’s bullpen is a group that put their feet on the gas when it mattered most: down the home stretch in September. In September, Hoffman pitched to a 0.84 ERA, Braydon Fisher at 1.59, Yariel Rodríguez with a 1.74 and Seranthony Domínguez pitching to a 2.16, all who'd be used in a bullpen game for Game 4. As well, fans should keep in mind that the Jays have had four days of rest.

Meanwhile, Seattle is fresh off one of the longest game in postseason history. While Seattle and Detroit fans were living through the most stressful game of their lives, Jays fans sat back in their recliner, enjoying their popcorn.

In the series, the Mariners needed 23 and two-thirds innings from their relievers in the series, and six and two-thirds on Friday night, including eight and a third from starters who entered in relief roles (Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo).

The safest call is the one that’s worked to perfection before, with the help of Schneider and Pete Walker: ride the bullpen.