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

"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."

"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"

"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,"

John Schneider used an eight‑man bullpen in a Game 4 bullpen game that produced a 5-2 win and advanced the Blue Jays to the ALCS while allowing just two earned runs. Only Mason Fluharty and Jeff Hoffman allowed an earned run each as the bullpen contained a potent Yankees lineup. Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage delivered strong starts earlier in the series, with Gausman expected to start Game 1 of the ALCS and Yesavage and Shane Bieber likely to follow. Chris Bassitt’s health remains uncertain, and his stark home (2.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 8-0) versus road (5.47 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 3-9) splits complicate rotation decisions.

Read at Jays Journal