Max Scherzer sends strong signal in Triple-A outing as Blue Jays near decision

The anticipation is building in Toronto. Max Scherzer, the veteran ace with a Hall of Fame résumé, appears to be on the verge of making his long-awaited return to the majors. On the same night the Toronto Blue Jays dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks, Scherzer delivered a commanding performance for Triple-A Buffalo, reinforcing the belief that his comeback is imminent.

Pitching in Worcester, Massachusetts, Scherzer struck out eight batters across 4 1/3 scoreless innings, throwing exactly 75 pitches — the target set for what could be his final rehab outing. The right-hander’s fastball averaged 92.5 mph and topped out at 94.2, a promising sign for a player of his mileage and stature.

“He always thinks his stuff is ready,” manager John Schneider told MLB.com. “It’s more the physical part with how he’s feeling during the outing tonight, tomorrow and the days in between. That’s where we’ve landed with him.”

One step away from the Majors

This outing was Scherzer’s most complete since being sidelined with a thumb issue after his brief Blue Jays debut in March. His performance not only showed command and velocity but also the durability to handle a full workload — a critical step before returning to MLB action.

Should his body respond well in the days following the start, Scherzer is expected to rejoin the Blue Jays’ rotation as soon as next week. His return would offer an immediate upgrade to Toronto’s pitching staff and could redefine the team’s trajectory heading into the second half of the season.

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What’s next for Toronto and Scherzer

Scherzer’s presence on the mound offers more than just innings; it brings experience, intensity, and a competitive edge that can lift an entire clubhouse. Toronto’s rotation has weathered inconsistencies this year, and the addition of a three-time Cy Young winner would be timely as the team battles for positioning in the AL Wild Card race.

If all goes according to plan, Scherzer could make his next start at the major league level. That alone is enough to shift the narrative in Toronto — from survival to contention.