The experienced pitcher Max Scherzer is in the final stage of his recovery and is about to return to the mound. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled for his first rehab start this Friday with the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Scherzer, who has been dealing with a recurring thumb issue, has shown significant progress in recent weeks. Last Sunday, he threw 50 pitches against Blue Jays hitters at the team’s complex in Dunedin, Florida, and reported feeling physically well after the session.
The team manager, John Schneider, reported that the plan is for Scherzer to throw between 60 and 65 pitches in his Friday outing.If all goes well, I would do at least one more after that and then we evaluate. If it reaches 75 or 80 in the next one, that could be enough. It will all depend on how he responds
John Schneider
Scherzer’s return is especially timely for the Blue Jays, whose rotation has depended on relievers and alternative options due to inconsistencies and injuries.
Bowden Francis, despite remaining in the rotation, presents a high ERA of 6.12, which generates internal pressure for changes. Between 2023 and 2024, Scherzer accumulated an ERA of 3.81 in 36 starts, demonstrating his ability to be effective. For the Blue Jays, Scherzer’s return would represent an injection of experience and leadership at a crucial moment in the season. Scherzer himself has described his recovery as a process of “small steps.” Starting Friday, both he and the organization hope to take the first of the big steps towards his definitive return to the Major Leagues.
