Blue Jays use reliever Fluharty as starter Saturday vs Tigers

Mason Fluharty will start for the Blue Jays on Saturday, marking his second career start as an 'opener'. This is due to the team's pitching depth issues.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Mason Fluharty is slated to take the mound as an 'opener' for the Toronto Blue Jays in Saturday's afternoon game against the Detroit Tigers. This decision, announced by manager John Schneider, underscores the ongoing challenges with the team's starting pitching depth. Fluharty, a left-handed reliever, is expected to pitch the initial innings, possibly two, before Spencer Miles takes over for bulk relief duties. This marks Fluharty's second career start in an 'opener' role, his first coming earlier this season against the Chicago White Sox.

The Blue Jays are navigating depleted pitching ranks, compelling them to utilize an opener strategy for the second game of their series in Detroit. This approach deploys a reliever to start the game, followed by another pitcher intended to cover the majority of the innings. Fluharty's recent outings have seen him struggle somewhat, with a 5.40 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 15 innings pitched this season. His previous start as an opener resulted in one earned run, two hits, and a walk allowed over a limited stint.

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The Saturday matchup is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park in Detroit. Fans can catch the game on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+. This game is part of a series where the Tigers secured a win on Friday night, defeating the Blue Jays 3-2 in a close contest decided in extra innings. The Blue Jays, currently holding a 19-25 record, are looking to rebound from this defeat.

Rotational Woes and Returnees

Fluharty's designation as an opener comes at a time when the Blue Jays' starting rotation is reportedly short on available arms. Adding another layer to Saturday's pitching landscape, the Tigers are set to welcome back right-handed pitcher Casey Mize. Mize is expected to make his first start since April 28, returning from the injured list. Before his layoff, Mize had shown promise with a 2-2 record and a 2.90 ERA. His return provides a significant boost for Detroit's rotation.

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Broader Team Context

The Blue Jays' recent offensive output has been a point of discussion, with the team described as having an "anemic offense" in one report. Despite struggling at the plate, they managed to overcome this to win a game against the Tigers in extra innings previously. However, their offensive struggles were highlighted in the previous night's walk-off loss. Meanwhile, veteran players like Vladdy Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have been noted for their quiet performances recently. The team is also dealing with significant injury news, including José Berríos undergoing surgery for an elbow fracture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mason Fluharty starting for the Blue Jays on Saturday, May 18, 2024?
Manager John Schneider announced Mason Fluharty will start as an 'opener' for the Blue Jays against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. This is because the team has a shortage of starting pitchers available.
Q: Who will pitch after Mason Fluharty for the Blue Jays on Saturday?
Spencer Miles is expected to take over pitching duties after Mason Fluharty finishes his 'opener' innings, likely after two innings. Miles will then pitch the majority of the game.
Q: What is Mason Fluharty's history as a starting pitcher for the Blue Jays?
This will be Mason Fluharty's second career start in an 'opener' role. His first time was earlier this season against the Chicago White Sox, where he allowed one earned run over a short period.
Q: What are Mason Fluharty's pitching stats this season?
This season, Mason Fluharty has pitched 15 innings with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. He is a left-handed reliever being used to fill a gap in the starting rotation.
Q: When and where is the Blue Jays vs Tigers game on Saturday?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park in Detroit. Fans can watch it on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+.
Q: What is the Blue Jays' current team situation?
The Blue Jays have a 19-25 record and are struggling with an 'anemic offense'. They also have several players injured, including José Berríos who recently had elbow surgery.