The Toronto Blue Jays have faced challenges throughout the regular season, struggling to find consistency despite a 40-33 record in the competitive American League East. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the helm, the team has navigated ups and downs as they battle through pivotal matchups. However, optimism is in the air as the team is reportedly on the verge of announcing significant news regarding the return of a key roster player.
A silver lining for the Blue Jays has been the New York Yankees’ recent slump matching unfavorable record from over a century ago, allowing Toronto to remain within striking distance of the division’s top spot. Currently, they stand just three wins shy of first place and are hot on the heels of the Tampa Bay Rays, who occupy the second position.
The Blue Jays are eager to rebound after dropping three of their last five games in the season’s rigorous shuffle. According to Sportsnet Canada’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, reinforcements may soon be on the way. The franchise could welcome back a crucial player to fortify their lineup.
“Max Scherzer expected to join Blue Jays soon,” Nicholson-Smith announced on his social media platform. “Thumb sore as expected after 75 pitches. He’ll throw a bullpen in Toronto this weekend, setting up a possible start vs. Guardians next week. Not official but trending well.”
Scherzer’s setback
Max Scherzer’s 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays has been significantly disrupted by persistent right thumb inflammation, which has also affected his lat muscle due to compensatory mechanics. After signing a one-year, $15.5 million contract, Scherzer made only one start on March 29, where he pitched just three innings before being placed on the 15-day Injured List the following day.
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However, following an extensive rehabilitation process, including a recent 75-pitch outing in Triple-A on June 18, Scherzer is on the verge of a return. Despite experiencing some anticipated soreness in his thumb, the Blue Jays are optimistic about his progress.
Stepping up in Scherzer’s absence
While Scherzer has been sidelined, several key players have stepped up to bolster the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation during the regular season. Notably, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman have been standouts, posting some of the team’s most impressive pitching statistics. Their performances have been crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in Scherzer’s absence.
- Kevin Gausman’s stats:
- Games Pitched (G): 14
- Games Started (GS): 14
- Wins-Losses (W-L): 5-5
- Earned Run Average (ERA): 4.08
- Innings Pitched (IP): 81.2
- Strikeouts (SO): 80
- Walks (BB): 15
- Walks and Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP): 1.07
- Home Runs Allowed (HR): 10
- Chris Bassitt’s stats:
- Games Pitched (G): 15
- Games Started (GS): 15
- Wins-Losses (W-L): 7-3
- Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.75
- Innings Pitched (IP): 86.1
- Strikeouts (SO): 83
- Walks (BB): 20
- Walks and Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP): 1.30
- Home Runs Allowed (HR): 9
