Why Chris Bassitt deserves to start an ALCS game more than Max Scherzer or a bullpen game

The Seattle Mariners found a way to silence the Toronto Blue Jays' bats that were scorching hot in the ALDS. That solution was Bryce Miller, who gave up a lead-off home run to George Springer on the first pitch of the game, but then only gave up one more hit and three walks through six innings.

The Blue Jays now find themselves trailing in a series. Manager John Schneider said rookie Trey Yesavage will start Game 2, with Shane Bieber in Game 3. The Game 4 starter is still uncertain, though Chris Bassitt deserves the nod. He missed the ALDS due to back tightness, while Max Scherzer was left off due to late struggles. Now, both replace relievers Justin Bruihl and Tommy Nance.

Why Chris Bassitt deserves to start Game 4 of the ALCS

Bassitt had an up-and-down season, finishing 11-9 with a 3.96 ERA and a 177:52 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 170.1 innings. He struggled in May and June with ERAs of 5.06 and 5.46. But he bounced back for a strong finish and in September, over 20.1 innings, he posted a 2.66 ERA, an 18:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and held batters to a .234 average.

The big concern for Bassitt is that he's been awful on the road this season, and Game 4 will be at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Specifically, in 16 games this season, the righty has posted a 5.47 ERA, a 66:25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and allowed hitters to hit .289 off him.

However, his last start in Seattle was on April 9, 2024, where he threw 6.2 innings, struck out eight, allowed five hits, and the only run off him came from a Dominic Canzone solo home run. Schneider has announced Bassitt will be in the bullpen with Scherzer likely starting Game 4 or a long-relief role, but that may not be the best decision.

Turning to Scherzer, he had his best month in August. He threw 35 innings, posted a 3.34 ERA, and had a 23:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He seemed to be turning a corner after a season where his previous best month featured a 4.50 ERA.

Unfortunately, August was followed by his worst month of the season, recording a 10.20 ERA and allowing batters to hit .348 off of him in September. These struggles are likely why he was left off the ALDS roster. If he starts Game 4, how the first three games unfold will determine the leash the former multi-Cy Young Award winner has.

The bullpen did well in Game 4 of the ALDS, allowing just two runs. Eight relievers pitched, but that was a five-game series. The ALCS now runs seven games so the bullpen will be needed more.

Replacing Bruihl and Nance with Scherzer and Bassitt means there are two fewer relievers. Even if Scherzer and Bassitt pitch out of the pen, they can't throw multiple games with little rest as usual relievers do. With only eight true relievers on the ALCS roster, managing usage will be tough if most of them pitch in Game 4.

Bassitt struggled on the road this season, but has shown he can perform at T-Mobile Park. It'll be a shame if he is only utilized in the bullpen. Regardless of how he's used, this ALCS matchup should be an exciting series, with a clear offensive advantage for the Blue Jays, hopefully leading to their first World Series since 1993, when they beat the Phillies.