Latest update on Max Scherzer, pitching staff injuries

The most significant news is regarding starter Max Scherzer The offseason acquisition and future Fall of Famer threw a heavy bullpen session on Friday, according to manager John Schneider.

While he is still a few weeks away, he is getting closer to returning. The next step will be for him to face live hitters. Once that is accomplished, he can then begin a rehab assignment.

Speaking of rehabs, Blue Jays number eight overall prospect Landen Maroudis recently began a rehab assignment with the FCL Blue Jays and should return to game action with Dunedin in the coming weeks.

Former number one pick Brandon Barriera (#14) likely follows a couple weeks after.

Maroudis and Barreira are just two of the nine Blue Jays pitchers recovering from Tommy John Surgery or other major arm surgery. Most notable among the remaining group are Alek Manoah and Ricky Tiedemann. Both haven't even resumed throwing and are still a ways away, with late July/early August being the earliest for either of them.

Manoah also stepped away from his recovery for a few days to welcome his first child into the world.

Ryan Burr is now on the 60-day IL and is likely out until the All-Star Break, while Erik Swanson is slowly ramping back up after a setback.

As an organization, the Blue Jays have struggled in recent years in keeping their pitchers healthy at the minor league levels. While they took steps to address those issues this offseason, it remains to be seen how their new approach and philosophy will hold up.