The Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training preparations have hit a slight snag, as veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has been scratched from his scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday due to right thumb soreness. Manager John Schneider, addressing the media, emphasized that the team is exercising caution with the 40-year-old right-hander, opting to prioritize his long-term health over a single spring outing. The Blue Jays are expected to have a clearer understanding of the situation following Wednesday’s off day, when further evaluations will be conducted.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, joined the Blue Jays on a $15.5 million, one-year contract, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Toronto pitching staff. His spring training performance thus far has been encouraging, with three starts yielding only two earned runs over nine innings, accompanied by an impressive 14 strikeouts and zero walks. His most recent appearance came on Saturday, and the team is now carefully monitoring his condition to ensure he is ready for the regular season.
Last season, Scherzer’s campaign was marked by a series of physical challenges. After beginning the year on the injured list while recovering from lower back surgery, he eventually joined the Texas Rangers, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA. He also spent time on the injured list with shoulder fatigue and was sidelined after September 14 due to a left hamstring strain. These previous setbacks underscore the importance of the Blue Jays’ cautious approach, as they aim to keep Scherzer healthy and productive throughout the upcoming season. The team’s decision to err on the side of caution reflects their commitment to maximizing Scherzer’s contributions, particularly given his age and recent injury history. The Blue Jays are hopeful that the thumb soreness is a minor issue and that Scherzer will be able to return to the mound soon, providing a valuable boost to their pitching rotation.
