Blue Jays' Max Scherzer Posts Strong Rehab Start in Buffalo

Max Scherzer made a promising return to pitching in his first rehab start for the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, throwing 56 pitches over 4.1 innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out four. The 40-year-old right-hander, who has dealt with right thumb inflammation and a right lat muscle injury since his season debut, showed good velocity topping out at 94 mph and mixed in a variety of pitches. Blue Jays manager John Schneider emphasized that the priority was Scherzer's health and recovery rather than the game stats, noting that Scherzer would likely require at least one more rehab start before rejoining the major league rotation. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion, expressed eagerness to return but acknowledged the need to build up his arm carefully to avoid setbacks. His injury troubles have included a teres major muscle injury leading to a herniated disc and a pinched nerve, which forced adjustments to his pitching mechanics. The rehab start drew significant attention, with over 11,000 fans in attendance and the game streamed widely, reflecting high anticipation for Scherzer’s return to help bolster the Blue Jays' pitching staff.