Why Blue Jays Max Scherzers injury return means a ton despite loss to Guardians

Published: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 4:49 am

Scherzer's Return Offers Hope for Blue Jays Despite Loss

Toronto Blue Jays fans witnessed a significant moment on Wednesday as veteran pitcher Max Scherzer returned to the mound for the first time since March. Scherzer, who has been sidelined with injuries, pitched five innings in the team's extra-inning loss to the Cleveland Guardians. While the Blue Jays ultimately lost the game, Scherzer's performance offered a glimmer of hope for the team's future.

Scherzer's outing saw him allow three earned runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out four batters and showed signs of rust, which is understandable given his time away from the game. The most important aspect of his return was that he emerged healthy, a crucial factor for a Blue Jays rotation that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. His appearance was his longest since last July.

The 40-year-old pitcher, signed to a one-year, $15.5 million deal in February, has been dealing with right lat tightness and thumb inflammation since his Opening Day debut. His absence has contributed to the Blue Jays' current position in the AL East standings, where they sit in third place with a 42-37 record, four games behind the Yankees and one game up in the Wild Card standings.

Scherzer himself acknowledged the importance of his return, stating that it "checked an important box" in his recovery process. He admitted to feeling a bit rusty but expressed satisfaction with being back on the mound. The team will re-evaluate his right thumb on Thursday.

The return of Scherzer is a potential turning point for the Blue Jays. If he can remain healthy, his presence could stabilize the pitching staff and bolster their chances of making a playoff run.

BNN's Perspective:

While the loss is disappointing, the return of a healthy Max Scherzer is a positive development for the Blue Jays. His experience and skill are invaluable, and his presence could be the key to a successful second half of the season. The team's performance will depend on Scherzer's continued health and ability to regain his form.

Keywords: Max Scherzer, Blue Jays, MLB, injury return, pitching, Cleveland Guardians, AL East, baseball, Toronto, health, performance, playoffs, Cy Young, comeback

Full Story