Max Scherzer is marking his 42nd birthday in a big way — by stepping back onto a major league mound for the first time in over a month.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced Sunday that Scherzer will be activated from the injured list to start Monday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington. Rookie right-hander Spencer Miles will shift back to the bullpen to make room.
The veteran starter has been out of action since June 10, when back spasms landed him on the 15-day injured list shortly after his last appearance. His return was further delayed when he received three cortisone injections in his right thumb during the All-Star break.
Scherzer showed he was ready to return last Wednesday during a rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo, where he tossed five hitless innings and struck out seven batters. The only baserunner reached via an error, and Scherzer threw 56 total pitches, 40 of which were strikes.
Schneider indicated the team may keep a close eye on Scherzer’s pitch count in his first outing back, but said the veteran met all the necessary benchmarks for his return.
“Maybe a little bit limited in pitch count, but I think he kind of checked all the boxes,” Schneider said.
The Blue Jays are hopeful the extended time away gave Scherzer a chance to reset following a rough first half of the season. Through six starts, he posted a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA, giving up 25 earned runs across just 22 innings of work.
His comeback couldn’t come at a better time for a Toronto rotation that has been battered by injuries. The Blue Jays have dropped seven of their first 10 games since the All-Star break and are fighting to stay alive in the American League playoff race.
Monday’s game also carries some added significance — Scherzer will be pitching against a franchise where he enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career. He spent seven seasons in Washington from 2015 through 2021, earning two of his three Cy Young Awards and playing a key role in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship.
Over 19 major league seasons, Scherzer has compiled a 222-121 record with a 3.27 ERA. He added another World Series ring with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and earlier this season reached the milestone of 3,500 career strikeouts while with Toronto.
