Scherzer Receives Second Cortisone Shot, Aiming for Return to Play

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, a right-hander, received a second cortisone shot in his right thumb this week. Manager John Schneider announced that Scherzer will attempt to play catch again when he rejoins the team in Houston next week.

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, previously received a cortisone injection on March 31. This was a day after he was placed on the 15-day injured list due to thumb inflammation. Despite playing catch several times during Toronto’s recent road trip, he continued to experience pain in his thumb.

Schneider explained that this week's injection targeted a different area of Scherzer's thumb compared to the first shot.

Scherzer, who is 40 years old, was removed from his debut start with the Blue Jays against Baltimore on March 29 after only three innings. He cited soreness in his right lat muscle, which he attributed to the thumb issue.

Earlier in March, Scherzer's spring training start was delayed due to thumb pain.

Scherzer signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays in February for US$15.5 million. Last season, while with Texas, he had a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA in nine starts. He began the year on the injured list due to recovery from lower back surgery. He also spent time on the IL due to shoulder fatigue and did not pitch after September 14 due to a left hamstring strain.