Assessing the Blue Jays' rotation after the recent injury updates to Bieber and Francis

"That will now be put to the test, because the day before pitchers and catchers reported, two injuries were announced by the Blue Jays that will immediately test that depth. Shane Bieber is battling forearm fatigue, a potential lingering issue from his extensive workload after returning from Tommy John surgery in the summer, and will likely start the year on the IL. Additionally, Bowden Francis recently underwent UCL reconstruction surgery, completely ruling him out for the 2026 season."

"Bieber is expected to make a return within the first half of the season, though he won't be ready for Opening Day, meaning someone else will now have to fill the fifth spot of the rotation in the short term. Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Cody Ponce appear to all fit into the current starting plans for manager John Schneider, with slated to be stretched out as a starter during Spring Training as additional depth."

"Lauer, who recently lost his arbitration hearing, was fantastic in a swiss-army-knife role last season, making 15 starts and 13 appearances out of the bullpen, all to the tune of a 3.18 ERA. This move comes as somewhat of a surprise, with the Jays already possessing a veteran starter on their roster who has been a workhorse since he joined the club in 2021."

Two injuries to Blue Jays pitchers will immediately test the team's rotation depth. Shane Bieber is battling forearm fatigue and will likely start the year on the injured list after heavy post–Tommy John workload; he is expected to return in the first half. Bowden Francis underwent UCL reconstruction and is out for the 2026 season. The fifth rotation spot will be covered short-term by internal options including Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Cody Ponce, with additional pitchers to be stretched out during Spring Training. Matt Lauer provided versatile starting-and-relief value last season with a 3.18 ERA. Jose Berrios struggled late in 2025 and dealt with elbow inflammation.

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