Toronto Blue Jays to use spot starter on Saturday vs. Detroit Tigers

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have decided to not start any of their pitchers on short rest to fill a hole in their rotation.

Trey Yesavage will start for the Blue Jays on Friday in Detroit, a spot starter will take on the mound Saturday, and ace Kevin Gausman will finish out the series against Sunday, his scheduled start date.

Because Toronto has Thursday off there was the possibility of moving Gausman up to play on Saturday, with the rest of the Blue Jays’ rotation bumping up a day too.

Manager John Schneider says he’s not sure who will start on Saturday, but it could be a call up from Triple-A, a free agent signed over the next few days, or even a pitcher yet to be traded for.

The gap was created after Toronto designated Eric Lauer for assignment on Monday, ending his tenure with the team.

Lauer was cut loose after falling to a 1-5 record with a 6.69 earned-run average in the Blue Jays’ 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press