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Blue Jays name Spencer Miles opener to begin crucial series Vs. Guardians
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Sep 1, 2026, 10:28 EDTUpdated: Sep 1, 2026, 10:32 EDT
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The Toronto Blue Jays are going with an opener as they are set to begin a vital series against the Cleveland Guardians. 
Sitting 1.5 games back of the Guardians for the American League’s final Wild Card spot, MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson is reporting that the Blue Jays will turn to Spencer Miles to work as an opener. 
Through 42 games (five starts) this season, Miles is 5-2 with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. A Rule 5 selection from the San Francisco Giants this off-season, Miles has picked up one save this season and struck out 77 batters across his 83.1 innings pitched while holding opponents to a .224 average. 
Across Miles’ five starts this season, two to this point have been as a true opener, and both times the results were impressive. The 26-year-old was first tasked with this role on May 10 against the Los Angeles Angels and turned in a pitching line of 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, during a 6-1 loss. 
The next three starts didn’t go as well for Miles as he was tagged for 14 earned runs over 11 innings as he was tasked with working deeper into games. Following his start against the Chicago White Sox on July 17, Miles was moved back into a more traditional bullpen role as he has become one of manager John Schneider’s high-leverage arms. 
Following injuries to Trey Yesavage, Jameson Taillon, and Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays were down to a four-man rotation, which resulted in them turning to Miles to kick off a bullpen day against the Kansas City Royals August 26. 
Miles once again impressed, turning in a pitching line of 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, and was able to neutralize the dangerous top of the Royals lineup. 
Against right-hander pitcher in Seth Lugo on Sunday, the Guardians rolled out a lineup that consisted of Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, José Ramírez, Jo Adell, Nathaniel Lowe, and Travis Bazzana, which sets up four left-handed bats, a switch hitter, and one right-handed bat in the top six of the batting order. 
Facing left-handed batters, Miles has allowed opponents to hit .256 compared to .186 against right-handed batters. Miles has allowed five home runs against left-handed hitters, while having none hit by right-handed bats. 
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