Max Scherzer Set to Return to the Toronto Blue Jays
Veteran right‑hander Max Scherzer will be back on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, facing his former team, the Washington Nationals, in a key interleague matchup.
Rehabilitation Progress and Upcoming Start
After a stint on the injured list following a June 10 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, Scherzer has completed three rehab assignments, including time with the Single‑A Vancouver Canadians and the Triple‑A Buffalo Bisons, the last of which ended on July 3.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Scherzer is “in a good position throwing the ball” and that he “ticked all the boxes” after evaluating his physical condition.
While the team may limit his pitch count early in the outing, the right‑hander is expected to take the hill for the game against left‑hander Andrew Alvarez, who is slated to start for Washington on Scherzer’s 42nd birthday.
Milestone Near at Hand
If he takes the mound, Scherzer will be just 15 innings away from reaching the 3,000‑career innings mark, a milestone achieved by only a handful of pitchers in MLB history.
The three‑time Cy Young Award winner currently sports a 10.23 earned run average and a 1.73 WHIP over 22 innings this season, with 14 strikeouts.
His most recent rehab start in Buffalo was dominant: he tossed five scoreless innings, allowing no hits, no walks and striking out seven batters.
Manager’s Confidence
“I feel it coming out of my hand and that feels right,” Scherzer told Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson‑Smith, adding that he knows he can still compete.
Schneider’s endorsement underscores the belief that the veteran’s return could provide a spark for a Blue Jays squad that has been dealing with recent losses.
