Blue Jays slow to name Spencer Miles starting pitcher

Spencer Miles has pitched nearly triple the innings this year compared to his previous career high, showing a rapid ascent.
By Newsroom | Baseball, Toronto |

The Toronto Blue Jays appear hesitant to officially slot Spencer Miles into their starting rotation, despite his recent strong performances. This caution stems from concerns about managing his workload in his first major league season and the team's uncertain pitching depth. While Miles has shown promise, the organization seems reluctant to push him beyond certain thresholds, opting for a more measured approach to his development.

Miles' emergence as a reliable arm, even out of the bullpen, has been a surprise. He has managed to impress the Blue Jays brass with his "stuff" and "demeanour," drawing praise from manager John Schneider. However, the team is reportedly weighing his usage carefully, especially given his limited high-level pitching experience prior to this season. The club faces a consistent struggle to fill its fifth starter role, with the position being a "revolving door."

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Why Blue Jays likely don’t see Miles as full-fledged starter this year - 1

A Rapid Ascent

Miles, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, has had an unexpected trajectory. Prior to this season, he had never exceeded 7.1 innings pitched in a single year. Now, he's accumulated nearly triple that amount in his rookie campaign. His path to the majors involved a remarkable rise, having never pitched above Low-A before being selected by the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 Draft. His inclusion on the 40-man roster meant he had to remain on the active MLB club for the entire year or risk being offered back to his previous team.

Rule 5 Gamble and Bullpen Impact

The Blue Jays selected Miles in the 'Rule 5 Draft' in December 2025, recognizing his potential despite his limited minor league appearances. His fastball has been described as an "elite" pitch, complemented by a "nasty downer curveball" and a cutter effective against left-handed hitters. Initially viewed as a potential fit for a rebuilding club, Miles has transitioned into a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, even contributing to their near-playoff contention last fall. His strong showings have put him on the radar as one of the options being considered for the vacant fifth starter position.

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Underlying Uncertainty

The decision-making process around Miles highlights the club's need for pitching stability. Reports from March 2026 indicate that decisions regarding players like Miles and Angel Bastardo were among the "tough Rule 5 decisions" the Blue Jays faced. Projections at the time suggested Bastardo might offer a certain ERA over a set number of innings, but Miles' path was less clearly defined, with projections for him not readily available. The club's commitment to keeping him on the active roster suggests a belief in his capabilities, albeit with an emphasis on careful management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Blue Jays not naming Spencer Miles a full-time starting pitcher yet?
The team is worried about his workload in his first year in the major leagues and their own lack of pitching depth. They want to manage his development carefully.
Q: How has Spencer Miles performed so far?
Miles has surprised the Blue Jays with good performances, even from the bullpen. His fastball and curveball have impressed the team.
Q: What is Spencer Miles' pitching history before this season?
Before this year, Miles had never pitched more than 7.1 innings in a single season. He was also drafted by the Blue Jays in the Rule 5 Draft and had not pitched above Low-A.
Q: What is the Rule 5 Draft and how does it affect Miles?
The Rule 5 Draft lets teams select players from other teams' minor league systems. If the Blue Jays keep Miles on their main team all year, they don't lose him. This means they have to use him carefully.
Q: What does this decision mean for the Blue Jays' pitching rotation?
The team has struggled to find a consistent fifth starter. While Miles is an option, the team's caution shows they need more stable pitching options for the future.