The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from achieving something that hasn’t been done in over 30 years. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, they are scheduled to play in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. If they win, they would break a 32-year drought between Championships.
Standing in their way is Shohei Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers lineup.
To ensure a victory, one MLB analyst has suggested a potential strategy that the Blue Jays could employ to achieve success. This game plan would maximize the pitchers available to manager John Schneider in an effort to bring the Championship back to Canada.
Unique Pitching Gameplan Utilizes Star Rookie
Given that Saturday’s game is the final one of the postseason, much speculation and analysis are being poured into it. Mark DeRosa of the MLB Network has conducted part of that analysis.
DeRosa offered the ideal pitching plan for the Blue Jays. Five pitchers form the bulk of this plan, with a sixth included for a specific scenario.
Max Scherzer is already the confirmed starter. DeRosa’s plan (as per an MLB Network social media post) begins by playing the 41-year-old one time through the Dodgers’ batting order. Ideally, Scherzer would pitch the first three innings.
How Rookie Arm Fits Into Game 7 Plan
The biggest surprise for Game 7 is the inclusion of rookie sensation, Trey Yesavage.
The next step in this pitching plan is Yesavage pitching innings three through five. The 22-year-old has already left his mark on the team with his postseason performances. In his last outing against the Dodgers, he set a rookie pitching record by throwing 12 strikeouts and not allowing a walk.
The Blue Jays Bullpen Closing Things Out
According to DeRosa’s plan, Louis Varland would be the first reliever out after Yesavage. Varland would pitch the sixth inning. The trade deadline acquisition has been dependable whenever he has been called upon in the postseason.
Next up would be another starting-pitcher-turned-reliever in Chris Bassitt. DeRosa’s plan includes Bassitt pitching innings seven and eight. Bassitt hasn’t allowed a single run during the 2025 postseason for the Blue Jays.
To close things out, Jeff Hoffman would hit the mound. He would pitch innings eight and nine, depending on how things shake out before then.
Mason Fluharty would be the potential sixth option for Schneider. DeRosa labelled him a “wild card.” He says that he would be called upon for any specific lefty matchup that Schneider is looking for.
John Schneider on Who is Available For Game 7
Given Schneider’s comments before the game, some of this plan could come to fruition.
Kevin Gausman will not pitch in Game 7. According to Schneider, “he kinda emptied the tank last night.”
Additionally, Schneider said that Yesavage, “will definitely be a part of” Game 7. That quote at least leaves the possibility open for Yesavage to come into the game at some point during the nine innings.
A Few Things About Game 7s
Tim Micallef took to X to share the win-loss record of the Blue Jays during the regular season. Back on October 19, he wrote the following.
“An optimistic reminder for Blue Jays fans,” Micallef began his post. “This is exactly why they worked so hard for homefield advantage. The Jays were an AL-best 54-27 at home this year.”
Scherzer has been a starting pitcher in Game 7 of the World Series before. Back in 2019, he pitched seven innings and earned three strikeouts en route to a 6-2 victory to secure the World Championship.
The Blue Jays are hoping that he can bring that kind of magic again tonight. If not? Then DeRosa’s plan seems like a reasonable idea.
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