Blue Jays' John Schneider Reveals Next Step for Max Scherzer
Toronto Blue Jays' manager John Schneider provided an encouraging update on right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer, who is currently on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
The future Hall of Famer signed with the Blue Jays organization in February 2025. The three-time Cy Young award winner has struggled in his first two seasons with the Blue Jays, but was an important part of their American League pennant winning postseason run last fall.
During his 18 season career, Scherzer has a 3.26 ERA with 3499 strikeouts in 488 games.
Through his first five starts of the 2026 season, Scherzer is posting a 1-3 record with a 9.64 ERA and ten strikeouts through 18 2/3 innings. He was placed on the injured list three days following a start which saw him give up seven earned runs against the Cleveland Guardians in 2 1/3 innings.
A month following his placement on the 15-day injured list, the 41-year-old faced live hitters in a bullpen session at the Rogers Center. Schneider seemed optimistic following Scherzer's bullpen, stating that the eight-time All-Star should start a minor league rehab assignment in the coming days.
John Schneider on Max Scherzer's bullpen today:
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 27, 2026
"Feeling good, cross off today, then get him into a rehab game fairly quickly. I just got to talk with him." #BlueJays
While the Blue Jays have had good pitching this season, posting a 3.81 team ERA, injuries to the starting rotation are catching up with them. Off-season acquisition and ace right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain on May 25th. Other notable pitching injuries include right-handed pitchers José Berríos, Cody Ponce, and Shane Bieber, who are all on the 60-day injured list.
Given Toronto's injury-ridden rotation, Scherzer would likely slide back into a starting role as the team hopes he will find his vintage self again.
Scherzer's last season throwing at least 100 innings came in 2023, where he pitched for the New York Mets and the World Series winning Texas Rangers. In that season he posted a 3.77 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 152.2 innings. In the seasons following, he has pitched a combined 146.3 innings in 31 starts. When Scherzer is healthy and on the field, he is normally a force on the mound.
The Toronto Blue Jays have a 26-29 record this season and sit in third place in the American League East division. The team's poor performance is likely due to their injuries, as well as key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. not playing to their potential. Their key to get back into the divisional and Wild Card race will be to get healthy and heat up during the dog days of summer.
The Blue Jays begin a three-game series against the division rival Baltimore Orioles on Friday.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 4:09 PM.