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National Post

Elbow surgery for Jake Bloss another blow to Blue Jays' lean pitching depth

The Blue Jays' seemingly neverending quest for starting pitching depth has taken yet another major hit with word that the team's sixth-ranked prospect, Jake Bloss, will be lost for at least a year as he faces reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. Article content Article content It's yet another blow for the team's young contingent of starting prospects as he joins Ricky Tiedemann as the latest to go under the knife for a variation of Tommy John surgery. Tiedemann, who was the Jays' fourth-ranked prospect at the time, had his surgery last July. Article content Bloss, the 23-year-old who was acquired in the trade deadline swap that sent Yusei Kikuchi to Houston last summer, last pitched for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on May 3 in Iowa, leaving with arm soreness after 3.1 innings of work. Article content Three days later, he was placed on the seven-day injured list and was evaluated by team doctors in Toronto. Further consultation led to the decision on surgery, which manager John Schneider revealed at the Rogers Centre prior to Tuesday's meeting with the Tampa Bay Rays to begin a nine-game home stand. Article content As if that wasn't bad enough for a team without a true fifth starter, Schneider also revealed veteran Max Scherzer has been shut down from throwing with tightness in his back. The team doesn't expect it to be a lengthy setback and Schneider noted the veteran's thumb continues to improve. Article content Still, the news was glum for the Jays' rotational depth struggles that have been an ongoing saga since Scherzer exited early in his first start with the Jays back in March. Article content Article content The loss of Bloss is undoubtedly a rough one for the Jays, though, given the expectations the team had. A third-round selection by the Astros in 2023, Bloss was a coveted piece in the Kikuchi deal and the Jays were further enthused by his progress. Article content Article content After a rough couple of starts with the Bisons to start his 2025 season, Bloss was turning things around to the point he was projected to be added to the Jays' roster at some point this season. In fact, general manager Ross Atkins recently mentioned Bloss as a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation that has been in flux for much of the season. Article content In other injury news, catcher Alejandro Kirk was not in the lineup on Tuesday after taking a bat to the head in Seattle on Sunday. Schneider said Kirk cleared all concussion tests and would be available if needed for the opener of the three-team home stand for the 20-20 Jays. Article content