The Toronto Blue Jays have a major question mark in the rotation due to the injury to Max Scherzer and one starter struggling.
Bowden Francis ended 2024 as arguably the Jays’ best pitcher, and he entered 2025 with expectations of having success. However, the right-hander has struggled as Toronto is 4-9 when Francis starts.
Francis has failed to go past 5 innings in 7 of his last 9 starts. It’s been a terrible season, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider shut down the idea of removing him from the rotation or using an opener before him.
“We’re kind of doing that with one spot in the rotation already, so you don’t want to wear guys out,” Schneider said.
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Schneider also said he trusts Francis to turn it around and be a key part of the team.
“We need him. That’s the bottom line. We need him to help contribute and be the pitcher that he can be. So you keep working to make adjustments,” Schneider added. “The stuff is where it should be. It’s just the mix and the location you’ve got to tighten up a little bit, that’s all.”
Toronto called up Spencer Turnbull from Triple-A, who could add some depth to the rotation. But Schneider expects Francis to make his next start in the rotation. Francis is projected to start on June 14 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Francis is 2-8 with a 6.12 ERA in 13 starts.
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