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Blue Jays: 3 key pitchers looking to turn things around for the September playoff push
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Matthew Spagnuolo
Sep 10, 2025, 16:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 10, 2025, 12:36 EDT
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September baseball is here, and with the AL East race tighter than ever, every game matters for the Toronto Blue Jays. After a disappointing weekend in New York, the Jays return home for a crucial six-game stand against the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles—two series that could heavily impact their position atop the division.
Toronto currently holds a three-game lead over the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. With only 18 games remaining in the regular season, the mentality has to be must-win every night.
While the lineup continues to produce runs, the bigger question is which pitchers will step up when it matters most.
Here are three arms the Blue Jays need to lean on down the stretch.

José Berríos

Despite the excitement surrounding the addition of Shane Bieber and the strong performances from other starters, José Berríos has endured a rocky stretch lately.
  • Second-half ERA: 4.81
  • Last outing: Just two innings vs. the Reds (shortest start of the year)
  • Home runs allowed: 23 (most among Toronto’s starters)
Berríos has struggled with command, particularly in putting hitters away with two strikes. His slurve—normally one of his most effective pitches—hasn’t consistently found the right spots, leading to more hard contact.
The good news? Berríos has a track record of bouncing back after rough outings, as seen in his strong start against Miami earlier this season (8 strikeouts in 6.1 innings). With Eric Lauer moving to the bullpen, the Blue Jays have some insurance, but Berríos remains a crucial piece. If he can reset and regain form, he’ll be pivotal in October.

Jeff Hoffman

Jeff Hoffman’s 2025 season has been a roller coaster. He’s tied for fourth in MLB with 30 saves, but his recent outings have been inconsistent at best.
  • August ERA: 6.00
  • Home runs allowed: 14 (most among Blue Jays relievers)
Even so, manager John Schneider continues to back him as the team’s closer. Hoffman’s fastball still generates plenty of swing-and-miss, and his improved splitter has been a key addition to his arsenal.
The key down the stretch will be his ability to consistently throw strikes and command his secondary pitches, especially the splitter and slider. The Jays need their closer to be sharp in September if they want to lock down tight games in the postseason.

Louis Varland

When the Blue Jays acquired Louis Varland at the trade deadline, the expectation was for him to strengthen the back end of the bullpen. Instead, he’s struggled mightily since the move.
  • With Twins (pre-trade): 2.02 ERA in 51 games
  • With Jays (post-trade): 7.36 ERA in 16 games, 12 earned runs in 14.2 innings
  • Walk rate: 1.84 in August (among the highest on the team)
Varland admitted he was blindsided by the trade from his hometown Minnesota Twins, which could explain part of the adjustment period. Still, Toronto needs him to settle in quickly. Pitching coach Pete Walker will have to help Varland get back to fundamentals and refine his command in the final three weeks. His stuff is good but opponents keep teeing off of his fastball.
If Varland can stabilize, he’ll provide much-needed depth behind Hoffman, Seranthony Domínguez, and Brendon Little.

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