John Schneider announces Max Scherzer's Spring Training debut for Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Nathan Denette - Canadian Press
Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer wasted little time getting back to work after reporting to the Toronto Blue Jays' Player Development Complex in Dunedin on Monday.
When the Toronto Blue Jays welcomed three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer back one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives, it was definitely great news for the fans and the organization.
Now, Scherzer's return is officially underway.
Welcome back, Mad Max ‼️
According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, Scherzer arrived in Dunedin and immediately threw a side session in full uniform.
He's scheduled to throw again on Wednesday as he continues to ramp up for game action.
Fellow reporter Arden Zwelling added that Scherzer has already been building up his arm strength near his offseason home in Jupiter, Florida.
The veteran has been facing minor-league free agent hitters regularly, suggesting he's well ahead in his preparation and close to being game-ready.
Scherzer lined up to pitch Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed to MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson that, if everything continues to go smoothly, Scherzer is lined up to make his spring debut Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Max Scherzer could pitch in Saturday's game if all goes well, John Schneider says. #BlueJays
Max Scherzer is in #BlueJays camp. Already throwing a bullpen, already narrating (and calling) some simulated at-bats.
The 41-year-old brings a decorated résumé back to Toronto. Over 2,963 career innings, Scherzer owns a 221-117 record with a 3.22 ERA and an impressive 1.084 WHIP.
His 3,489 strikeouts rank 11th on Major League Baseball's all-time list and second among active pitchers, trailing only his former Detroit Tigers teammate Justin Verlander.
Scherzer joins a deep Blue Jays rotation that features Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, José Berrios, Cody Ponce, and Shane Bieber, giving Toronto a formidable mix of veteran experience and high-end talent.
The Blue Jays will kick off their 50th season on March 26 when they host the Athletics, and if Scherzer's early work in Dunedin is any indication, he intends to play a significant role in what the club hopes will be another championship push.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 2|109 ANSWERS John Schneider announces Max Scherzer's Spring Training debut for Toronto Blue Jays Do you think Max Scherzer will be more consistent in the 2026 regular season than he was in 2025? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 69.7 % |
| No | 19 | 17.4 % |
| Too early to tell | 14 | 12.8 % |
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