Max Scherzer Advances in His Recovery and Could Return to the Mound This Weekend
The Blue Jays’ right-handed pitcher, Max Scherzer, completed a live batting practice session on Tuesday, throwing 40 pitches. According to manager John Schneider, Scherzer could participate in a minor league game this weekend. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, had to leave his debut with the Blue Jays against Baltimore on March 29 after three innings due to discomfort in his right latissimus dorsi muscle. The next day, Toronto placed Scherzer on the injured list due to inflammation in his thumb. The 40-year-old pitcher signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in February. Last season, with Texas, he had a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA in nine starts. He began the season on the injured list while recovering from lower back surgery. He was also on the injured list for shoulder fatigue and did not pitch after September 14 due to a left hamstring strain. Scherzer has received two cortisone injections this season to alleviate the inflammation in his thumb. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list last month, but he is eligible to return on May 29th. Schneider indicated that Scherzer is expected to pitch in a simulated game or in a Florida Complex League game on Sunday. The next step would be a minor league rehab assignment.Scherzer won World Series titles with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. He won his first Cy Young Award after going 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 32 starts for Detroit in 2013. The eight-time All-Star earned consecutive National League Cy Young Awards with Washington in 2016 and 2017.
Schneider also reported that designated hitter Anthony Santander received an injection to alleviate pain in his left shoulder, and that Santander will take five to seven days of rest before resuming baseball activity. Santander was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday. In addition, the Blue Jays activated infielder Andrés Giménez (right quadriceps) from the 10-day injured list, while catcher Tyler Heineman was activated from the seven-day concussion injured list.To make room on the roster, infielder Michael Stefanic and catcher Ali Sánchez were designated for assignment.
