Blue Jays: Spencer Miles has earned the opportunity to be the fifth starter

Miles has become a highly valuable part of the pitching staff after throwing 11 scoreless innings across his last three games. He previously started once on May 10 against the Los Angeles Angels, but his most recent outings came from the bullpen while still pitching three or more innings. His pitch counts have risen from 38 to 56 to 63, including a strong performance in the series finale against the New York Yankees. During this stretch, he allowed six hits, three walks, and struck out 13 batters. His season numbers include a 2.17 ERA and 2.83 FIP over 29 innings, with a 25 K% and 6.9 BB%. A fifth-starter opportunity is being considered if he can reach around 75 pitches, though caution is required due to major surgeries and Rule 5 roster limitations.

"After throwing 11 scoreless innings his last three games, a question has arisen: Should Miles become their fifth starter, at least for now? Now, he's started a game before, doing so on May 10th against the Los Angeles Angels. But his last two outings have been out of the bullpen, even if he's pitched three or more innings in both of them."

"He's steadily ramping up as well, going from 38 pitches on May 10th, to 56 on May 16th, and then 63 in Thursday's series finale against the New York Yankees. Miles has also been dominant in this stretch, allowing just six hits, three walks, and striking out 13 batters for a 31.7 K%."

"With Thursday's strong performance, Miles now has a 2.17 ERA and 2.83 FIP with a 25 K% and 6.9 BB% in 29 innings pitched. If he can reach 75 or so pitches, why not give him the opportunity? After all, Miles started 23 of the 29 games he played in over his two seasons at Missouri."

"Of course, the Blue Jays would have to be cautious in this approach, as Miles has had two major surgeries since turning professional, missing all of the 2023 season with a back surgery, and most of 2024 and all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery. Realistically, the Blue Jays are in uncharted territory when it comes to Miles. It's not often that you see a contender select a player in the Rule 5 draft, much less keep him for the duration of the season he needs to remain on the team."

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