Scherzer Set to Return as Blue Jays Face Cleveland

Max Scherzer, renowned for his three Cy Young Awards, is on track to be activated from the 60-day injured list, with plans to start for the Toronto Blue Jays in their upcoming game against the Cleveland Guardians. After the Blue Jays' loss to the White Sox, manager John Schneider confirmed that Scherzer is prepared to pitch, likely throwing up to 90 pitches.

During a bullpen session on Sunday morning, Scherzer demonstrated his readiness by throwing between 30 and 40 pitches. Schneider conveyed his enthusiasm about having Scherzer back, recognizing the veteran pitcher's importance to the team. Scherzer's recent rehab included two appearances with Triple-A Buffalo, where he exhibited solid performance, striking out four and walking none over 4 1/3 innings in one outing, and achieving eight strikeouts in another without allowing any runs.

At 40 years old, Scherzer signed a one-year contract worth $15.5 million with the Blue Jays earlier this year. Unfortunately, he had to exit his Toronto debut after three innings due to right lat muscle soreness, which led to his placement on the injured list the following day due to thumb inflammation. Throughout the season, Scherzer has received two cortisone injections for thumb pain, prompting his transfer to the 60-day injured list last month, from which he became eligible to return on May 29.

Previously with Texas, Scherzer recorded a 2-4 record and a 3.95 ERA over nine starts, having started that season on the injured list due to lower back surgery. His thumb issues, which plagued him in previous seasons, have continued to affect his performance. A two-time World Series champion, Scherzer celebrated triumphs with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. His accolades include winning a Cy Young Award for an impressive 21-3 record with a 2.90 ERA in 2013 while with Detroit, followed by back-to-back wins in the National League with Washington in 2016 and 2017. Over the course of his career, Scherzer has amassed a striking record of 216 wins against 112 losses, a 3.16 ERA, and 3,408 strikeouts across 467 games, predominantly as a starting pitcher.