Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer is set to return to the mound on Monday, making his first major league start since mid-June. He will celebrate his 42nd birthday by pitching against his former team, the Washington Nationals, in Washington, D.C. This appearance marks his return from the injured list, as confirmed by Blue Jays manager John Schneider.
Schneider stated that Scherzer is scheduled to pitch on Monday, following the team’s 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Sunday. The manager indicated that discussions with Scherzer regarding his physical condition and recovery from a rehab outing in Triple-A Buffalo were positive. While there might be a limit on his pitch count, Schneider noted that Scherzer has met all the necessary requirements for his return.
Scherzer’s Road to Recovery
Scherzer’s season has been impacted by injuries, having been placed on the injured list in mid-June due to back spasms. He has also experienced several setbacks, including receiving three cortisone injections in his right thumb. His last major league appearance was a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on June 10.
The right-hander’s rehab assignment began on July 3 and included stops with the Single-A Vancouver Canadians and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. During his last rehab start in Buffalo, Scherzer demonstrated strong form, pitching five innings without allowing any runs or hits, and striking out seven Rochester Red Wings batters. He threw 56 pitches in that outing.
Despite his recent strong rehab performance, Scherzer’s season statistics reflect the challenges he has faced. In six starts this season, he holds a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA. He has recorded 14 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched.
Career Milestones and Past Achievements
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, expressed confidence in his current physical state. He told Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith in Boston that he feels he is in a “good spot throwing the ball” and that it is “coming out of my hand the way it needs to.” He added, “I know I can pitch. I know I can still go out there and compete.”
Throughout his extensive career spanning 19 seasons, Scherzer has compiled a record of 222-121 with a 3.27 ERA across 489 games for seven different teams. He possesses two World Series rings, one earned with the Nationals in 2019, where he will make his upcoming start, and another with Texas in 2023.
Last season, Scherzer was initially left off the ALDS roster due to late-season struggles but was subsequently included on the ALCS and World Series rosters for the Blue Jays. The team ultimately lost the World Series in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays have experienced a challenging period recently, dropping seven of their last 10 games since the All-Star break.
When Scherzer takes the mound on Monday, he will be just 15 innings shy of reaching the significant milestone of 3,000 career MLB innings. He is expected to face left-handed pitcher Andrew Alvarez.
His return is anticipated as the Blue Jays look to improve their performance. The team has been without Scherzer in the majors since his June 10 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Source: toronto.citynews.ca
