Blue Jays alter plans for Max Scherzer

Scherzer's problematic thumb has been acting up in recent days and manager John Schneider stated that Scherzer had said he wanted to face real players and simulate major league action, as opposed to minor leaguers.

It's a big day, but if all goes well for Scherzer then he should be ready to start the season on time with the Blue Jays.

Toronto needs Mad Max to be healthy, as their pitching has some hits this spring, which include injuries to Triple-A starters Adam Kloffenstein and Adam Macko. As well, Jake Bloss, Yariel Rodriguez, and Easton Lucas have struggled to find consistency.

The biggest issue for Scherzer is how and when his thumb flares up. While he starts the game off fine, it is usually around the 50 pitch mark where he runs into problems.

It's the same type of problem that Scherzer dealt with last season, one in which he was limited to just nine starts as a nerve issue went from his thumb all the way to his elbow and affected his ability to grip and throw a baseball. It's why the Blue Jays want to nip in this bud now.

The Blue Jays don't need Scherzer to be their ace. But if he can remain healthy, he will be a valuable and reliable back-end starter as well as a mentor to some of the younger - and even veteran - pitchers.

The regular season starts March 27th.