The Toronto Blue Jays have high hopes that Max Scherzer can be a key player for them in the 2025 MLB season. However, with the veteran pitcher’s latest admission about his thumb, his immediate future is uncertain just a week and a half before Opening Day.
Speaking from Blue Jays camp, Scherzer revealed he is experiencing pain in his thumb—something that is unbearable for a pitcher of his caliber. “My thumb hurts. It hurts to grip the ball,” he said. He emphasized how crucial the thumb is for pitching. “The critical thing I’ve learned over the years here is that your thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health.”
According to Scherzer, this is an issue he has been dealing with for some time. “Unfortunately, this is what I’ve been dealing with since 2023,” he admitted. He also acknowledged the risk of further complications. “The danger of pitching with this is that you could sustain a shoulder injury.”
The Blue Jays want him to recover, and a specialist is already working with Scherzer to address the issue. “It hasn’t manifested out into the nerve pain yet, but that’s why I’m working with the hand specialist, the doctors, the trainers,” Scherzer said.
Max Scherzer during his time with the Texas Rangers throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 14, 2024. (Source: Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Scherzer Wants to Play, but Not While Injured
Max Scherzer is currently on a one-year, $15 million contract with the Blue Jays—a solid salary for a 40-year-old veteran. Last season, he was limited to just nine starts with the Texas Rangers due to injuries, making it another difficult year for him.
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The last time Scherzer made at least 20 starts in a MLB season was in 2023 when he pitched in 27 games—19 with the Mets and 8 with the Rangers—posting a 3.77 ERA over 152.2 innings.
Blue Jays’ Rotation Without Scherzer
It remains to be seen whether Scherzer will be fully available for Opening Day, but if he isn’t, the Blue Jays will need to adjust their rotation. For now, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Bowden Francis, and Kevin Gausman remain in the mix.
