Scherzer Nears Blue Jays Return After Rehab Start

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer threw 75 pitches over 4.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo, showing significant improvement as he recovers from right thumb inflammation that has limited him to just three innings for Toronto this season. Both Scherzer and manager John Schneider believe he is ready to return to the major league rotation, depending on how his thumb responds in the coming days. Scherzer met the targeted pitch count and displayed strong velocity, averaging 92.5 mph and touching 94.2 mph. The urgency for his return increased after Bowden Francis was placed on the injured list, though Eric Lauer has performed well in Francis's absence. If Scherzer completes a bullpen session without issues, he could start for the Blue Jays as early as Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Toronto this offseason.