Blue Jays suffer a major blow as Max Scherzer’s return hits another snag

The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 season has been dealt a major blow as the veteran right-hander Max Scherzer’s return has been delayed. Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been out since he made his season debut on March 29 but could not pitch effectively with inflammation in his right thumb. Although there was hope for a quick return, Scherzer’s rehabilitation took longer than anticipated, and now he fears he might not play again this season.Scherzer’s thumb problems have been a lingering issue since spring training and have been impacting both his grip and overall arm health. He has described the thumb as “absolutely critical to your arm health” and said it was essential to correct the problem instead of attempting to pitch through it. Scherzer attempted to begin throwing again after getting a second cortisone injection in April, but still felt pain, especially after throwing around 50 pitches. His only outing this season was a three-inning start against the Baltimore Orioles in which he allowed two solo shots before leaving because of right lat soreness, a complication stemming from the thumb issue.The Blue Jays need pitching help with Scherzer hitting the 60-day injury list. They have considered internal candidates like Yariel Rodriguez, but are also looking outside the organization. The Blue Jays are rumored to be interested in picking up Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates–a great pitcher who has put up numbers, as a replacement for Scherzer. Keller is pitching like a stud, and with his value at $77 million, it makes him a very nice trade candidate for Toronto if they want to stay competitive in the AL East.Max Scherzer’s rehabilitation will be progressed cautiously, and the earliest he can return is May 29. The Blue Jays hope he can help them later in the year, but his availability and readiness will determine that. In the meantime, Toronto’s front office has to make adjustments, bolstering its pitching staff to make way through the season without one of its top off-season additions.While Scherzer cannot be out there, he remains a leader in the clubhouse. The staff appreciates his leadership role and his ability to mentor the team's young pitchers, even in the run-up to the 18th inning of a game. Despite what he brought to the field, Max Scherzer’s impact off the field could yet prove pivotal as the Blue Jays fight to remain in playoff position.Also Read: Max Scherzer seen mocking umpire C.B. Bucknor in the Blue Jays vs Guardians match | MLB News