Toronto Blue Jays’ marquee offseason signing Max Scherzer faces a pivotal juncture in his recovery from a thumb injury that has sidelined him since his debut start in March. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, brought in to bolster the rotation, has been a notable absence, leaving the Jays scrambling for stability in their fifth starter role. With a critical series against the Cleveland Guardians looming, fans are clamoring for updates: Will Scherzer take the mound, or will Toronto’s patchwork pitching depth be tested once more?
Max Scherzer’s path back to the mound
Blue Jays manager John Schneider provided a glimmer of hope this week, revealing that Scherzer threw a “heavy bullpen” session and is inching closer to game readiness. Beat reporter Keegan Matheson noted the veteran right-hander will likely face live hitters before embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment, signaling cautious optimism.
“Everything sounds like it’s going well… he’s getting closer,” Schneider said, though no timeline has been set for his return.
Guardians Game: Too Soon?
Despite Max Scherzer’s progress, the Guardians series appears to be a stretch. The 39-year-old has been sidelined since March 30, when he exited his lone start against Baltimore after three innings due to thumb discomfort. General manager Ross Atkins acknowledged the urgency to address the rotation gap but emphasized prudence:
“We need to see more consistency [from internal options]… (Scherzer’s) next week and a half will be very telling.”
Blue Jays’ backup plans
With Max Scherzer’s status uncertain, Toronto is exploring alternatives:
Internal Candidates: Prospects like Easton Lucas and Jake Bloss have flashed potential, while Adam Macko nears a return from injury.
External Options: Free agents Spencer Turnbull, Alex Wood, and Rich Hill are on the radar for depth.
Stopgap Solutions: Veterans Casey Lawrence and Eric Lauer have filled the fifth spot sporadically but lack consistency.
Scherzer’s frustration and focus
The future Hall of Famer has been vocal about his eagerness to return, calling the injury a “frustrating” hurdle. “I want to pitch… but I’ve got to zero out this thumb first,” he stressed in March. His $15.5 million deal hinges on durability, making his rehab a priority for both personal and team success.
While Max Scherzer’s bullpen session marks a positive step, the Guardians clash likely comes too soon. Toronto’s focus shifts to balancing his long-term health with immediate rotational needs. As Atkins put it: “We’re encouraged by his progress, but we’re also realistic.” For now, the Jays’ depth arms must hold the fort—and Scherzer’s comeback clock keeps ticking.