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Blue Jays Should Take Flier On 2-Time All-Star Amid Pitching Injuries
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- Blue Jays Should Take Flier On 2-Time All-Star Amid Pitching Injuries
The Toronto Blue Jays rotation has been hindered by injuries all season.
Jose Berrios and Bowden Francis haven't pitched an inning this season and are lost for the year, while Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending injury in his first start. Along with that, Shane Bieber , Trey Yesavage , and Max Scherzer have also dealt with injuries.
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Yet, just as it looked like Toronto was getting healthier, Jameson Taillon – who the team acquired from the Chicago Cubs to help fill the void – is on the IL. Yesavage, meanwhile, just underwent meniscus surgery, and whether or not he returns is to be seen.
Due to the injuries, the Blue Jays need another starter. Although Toronto could look internally at Simeon Woods-Richardson, Chad Dallas , CJ Van Eyk, or Josh Stephan among others, Toronto should look to add a veteran starter.
The Washington Nationals recently designated Miles Mikolas for assignment, and he will likely be placed on waivers soon. If he does go on waivers, Toronto should put in a claim, as he can make a couple of starts and eat some innings while Taillon and Yesavage are injured.
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Mikolas is in his 11th MLB season and has proven himself to be a solid fifth starter, which is all Toronto needs him to be. The right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance, as he was an All-Star in 2018 and 2022; this move is more about saving the bullpen and adding a starter who can go deep into ballgames.
If the Blue Jays go the internal route, the best-case scenario is likely four-to-five innings, which will only further tax the bullpen.
So, due to the injuries, Mikolas makes sense for the Blue Jays. Even if he's only needed for a handful of starts, Toronto can easily DFA him once Taillon or Yesavage are ready to return.
But for now, Mikolas would be a valuable addition for Toronto to add some more experience and stabilize the rotation, especially with the Blue Jays back in playoff contention.
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Mikolas is 3-9 with a 5.82 ERA in 116 innings.
Blue Jays Dealing With Pitching Injuries
Aug 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) walks off the field after an apparent injury during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Toronto was set for a six-man rotation after adding Jose Soriano and Taillon at the deadline. Yet, after Taillon and Yesavage's injuries, the rotation is now down to four.
Yesavage could return this season, despite having surgery, while Taillon will take around five days off from throwing.
Due to the injuries, the Blue Jays are still trying to figure it out, according to reporter Shi Davidi.
"Blue Jays still "literally up in the air" for Saturday's rotation vacancy, said John Schneider. Said depending on usage, Simeon Woods Richardson could be one possibility and Lazaro Estrada another. Spencer Arrighetti is throwing a bullpen tomorrow and a 45-60 pitch rehab start for Buffalo on Sunday," Davidi wrote on X.
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With the Blue Jays still uncertain on the rotation, adding a veteran like Mikolas makes plenty of sense to bolster the rotation.
But for now, the Blue Jays will look internally to replace Taillon and Yesavage for the time being.
Related: Blue Jays Face Difficult Shane Bieber Decision
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Aug 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
