Let’s talk about Max Scherzer—because any time a pitcher with that kind of Major League Baseball résumé is dealing with an injury, it’s worth paying attention. The Toronto Blue Jays had him lined up for a spring training start on Thursday. That’s now off the table thanks to some lingering soreness in his right thumb.
And while the team is downplaying the issue, calling it precautionary, you can bet every Jays fan is watching this situation very closely.
A Precautionary Move—or Something More?
Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling broke the news, reporting that Scherzer’s sore thumb popped up after his last outing on Saturday. Manager John Schneider says the team is “just being extra careful” with him and expects to have more information in the coming days.
Now, maybe this is truly just a minor issue, but with Opening Day just a couple of weeks away, any setback—especially for a 40-year-old pitcher with a recent injury history—is worth keeping an eye on.
A Hall of Fame-Caliber Arm
Scherzer isn’t just another arm in the rotation. He’s a future Hall of Famer, a three-time Cy Young winner, an eight-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion.
His career stats are a staggering 216-112 record with a 3.16 ERA, 3,407 strikeouts (second among active pitchers behind Justin Verlander), and a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in the game.
When he’s on, he’s still a game-changer. But there’s no denying that injuries have started to creep in. Last season, he was limited to just nine starts, which is exactly why Toronto is cautious.
The Blue Jays Need a Healthy Scherzer
The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back after finishing dead last year in the American League East. Scherzer was brought in to help solidify a rotation that already includes Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and Bowden Francis. His veteran presence is just as valuable as his on-field production, setting the tone for younger players in the clubhouse.
Maybe this really is just a minor hiccup, but with Scherzer’s age and injury history, every small issue is magnified. If the Blue Jays want to turn things around in 2025, they’ll need him healthy and dealing.
