Blue Jays’ John Schneider Makes Major Max Scherzer Announcement

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal during the offseason, they were hoping they’d get the Scherzer of old. While that was probably a bad decision from the Blue Jays’ perspective, for many reasons, but more importantly, because Scherzer is 40 years old, it was wishful thinking. 

Ultimately, the future Hall of Famer is one of the better arms in baseball history, and there was a reason to give the soon-to-be 41-year-old a chance. 

Scherzer turns 41 at the end of July, right before the trade deadline. 

Some believe he could be moved by the Blue Jays if they aren’t in a position to win the division or compete for a postseason spot. 

However, at 7-3 over their last 10 games and only 4.5 games out of first place in the American League East, despite the many injuries they’ve faced on the mound and in the lineup, it looks like Toronto will have an opportunity to make the postseason. 

Blue Jays Provide Latest on Max Scherzer

Regarding Scherzer, there has been some big news coming out of Buffalo, New York, about the right-hander. According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, the Toronto Blue Jays veteran made his first rehab start with the Bisons earlier in the week. 

He later added that this outing for Scherzer could give him a path to come back to the Blue Jays rotation in the near future, after only appearing in one game before his injury. 

“It was a big evening at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y.: friendship bracelet night, postgame fireworks and a Buffalo Bills defensive back throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. But the real draw was the 40-year-old starting pitcher on the mound.

“Making his first rehab start with the Buffalo Bisons, Max Scherzer threw 56 pitches for the Toronto Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate. The veteran righty hadn’t pitched in a formal contest since a three-inning Blue Jays debut on March 29. A thumb injury and back tightness have kept Scherzer from contributing to Toronto’s strong start to 2025, instead relegating him to cortisone shots and bullpen sessions. After two months away, Friday’s rehab outing pushed Scherzer close to his Blue Jays return — and Toronto’s rotation needs him,” he wrote.

Toronto’s Plan for Max Scherzer

For the Toronto Blue Jays, observing how Scherzer throws the baseball is something they must keep in mind, but it isn’t the end-all, be-all. 

Ultimately, the Blue Jays and John Schneider want him healthy. 

Dealing with the right thumb injury that has only allowed him to pitch in 3.0 innings for the Blue Jays throughout the campaign, when he allowed two earned runs in a March 29 start against the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays have to make sure that he’s healthy. 

If they can get him past that 50 pitch mark, run him up to 75 pitches, and eventually not have to worry about it, his stats will follow.

Schneider seems to understand that.

“I couldn’t care less about his line score,” Schneider said.

“Getting through that point and then seeing how he feels tomorrow,” Schneider said. “I know he’s talked about that 50-pitch mark quite a bit.”

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