The Toronto Blue Jays are on their way to get their star player back as manager John Schneider confirmed that three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer will return to the rotation Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians, marking his first start since a thumb injury sidelined him in March. For a team clinging to the AL’s second Wild Card spot, Scherzer’s comeback could be a game-changer.
After a Long Wait, Blue Jays Star Max Scherzer Is Back
Scherzer’s season began with a brief three-inning outing against Baltimore on March 29, cut short by thumb inflammation that landed him on the 15-day injured list. Transferred to the 60-day IL, the 40-year-old endured a grueling rehab process, including two cortisone injections.
His recent Triple-A Buffalo starts that included 12 strikeouts and two earned runs over 8 2/3 innings showed that the veteran is regaining his form. “He’s ready to go,” Schneider said after Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox “that’s a huge, huge addition for us. That’s Max Scherzer. I’ll take that any day of the week.”
Max Scherzer will return to the #BlueJays’ rotation Wednesday in Cleveland.
Schneider: “That’s a huge, huge addition for us. It’s Max Scherzer. I’ll take that any day of the week.”
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 22, 2025
Scherzer himself is looking forward to his appearance, but is also very cautious. “My stuff is fine,” he told MLB TV’s Hazel Mae. “I’m trying everything I can to manage this [thumb] and make sure I can recover… There’s no knowing, just have to get out there.” His final rehab start saw him throw 75 pitches, a promising sign; however, Schneider noted, “The thumb is a real thing. We just have to monitor it as we go.”
Signed to a one-year, $15.5 million deal in February, Scherzer brings a lot of experience to a rotation that’s leaned on Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios. The Blue Jays, despite two straight losses, were able to show some of their attack power during Saturday’s 7-1 win over the White Sox, with Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homering and Berrios tossing 7.2 strong innings.
However, Scherzer’s absence has been felt. His 2023 season had him in three playoff starts during Texas’ championship run, showing his impact on the team’s rotation.
Holding the AL’s second Wild Card spot, the Blue Jays are in a tight race. Sunday’s rubber match against the White Sox, featuring Bassitt against Adrian Houser, showed their need for consistency. Scherzer’s return could stabilize the rotation and strengthen their postseason hopes. His experience and proven stuff make him the most important player on the roster for the Jays.
In summary, Scherzer’s Wednesday start in Cleveland will be a significant moment for Toronto. If he can manage his thumb and deliver the dominance he’s known for, the Blue Jays could solidify their playoff position. A healthy Scherzer could transform Toronto into a serious contender. As the veteran takes the mound, all eyes will be on whether he can reclaim his elite form.