Return of Mad Max feels like a late season pickup amidst a division race
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Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer makes his return to the mound in Cleveland tonight after 88 days since his Jays shortened debut. Scherzer is a Hall of Famer and he's an ace, whatever he has left in the thumb, this teams need it.
Now that he's back, the return of Mad Max feels like a late season pickup amidst a division race as opposed to an offseason signing.
With Scherzer about to scale the mound again in a Blue Jays uniform, fans of this franchise will get the opportunity to appreciate their brief moment with one of the best to ever toe the rubber.
After a three-inning outing in March that felt like something of a mirage, did that really happen?
Getting the chance to appreciate this sort of mythological figure in baseball history up close can be a gift.
What does Max Scherzer have left? The Blue Jays will find out
But, right now, Scherzer's greatest challenge is squeezing a few more innings out of his well-worn right arm and battered thumb.
Wednesday, the right-hander will come off the injured list to make his second start of the season for the Toronto Blue Jays, after an 88-day absence.
Few MLB starters have much left at 40 years old, but Scherzer has dominated, adapted and survived into his 18th season.
In the last year alone, he's returned from back, shoulder and hamstring injuries. Now, it's thumb soreness that might never fully disappear.
Needing the rotation infusion Scherzer can provide, the 42-36 Blue Jays hope he has more to give.
«Just to have him, knowing that you have that calibre of pitcher waiting on your staff every fifth day,» manager John Schneider said. «It would be a nice shot in the arm.»
No Blue Jays batter knows Scherzer better than George Springer. He's one of two Toronto hitters with multiple knocks against the righty, three hits in 12 at-bats.
Springer first stepped in against Scherzer in 2014, when the then 29-year-old was coming off his first Cy Young.
Springer's also seen the modern form, the respected veteran throwing 93 mph while struggling to stay on the field.
«He's a Hall of Famer,» Springer said. «He's an ace. Any time you face a guy like that, you have to have the ultimate concentration. Otherwise, he's going to absolutely dissect you.»
The velocity is down and the durability is faded, but Springer said Scherzer remains a challenging matchup.
As an opposing manager, Schneider dreaded Scherzer's outings. But few teams in recent years have been tasked with that difficult assignment.
«When you face a guy like that, he never does the same thing twice,» Springer said. «He'll throw you stuff to set you up. He's really good at basically playing chess.»
The Blue Jays didn't sign Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million contract this winter to become a footnote in a Hall of Fame induction speech.
It wasn't for name value, jersey sales or sage wisdom in the clubhouse, either. He was signed to join Kevin Gausman, José Berrios and Chris Bassitt as the veteran spine of Toronto's rotation.
Instead, the Jays have survived with a combination of three reliable starters and bullpen days. Now, they need the effective starts that Scherzer can provide, when healthy.
We shall soon see what sort of contribution Max Scherzer makes to the Blue Jays this season, and just how historically consequential this time in his career is for him, and for the fans.
But baseball fandom is best when you can situate yourself within something memorable amongst so many fleeting moments.
Source: The Athletic
What does Max Scherzer have left? Blue Jays will find out
What does Max Scherzer have left? Blue Jays will find out
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 224 ANSWERS Return of Mad Max feels like a late season pickup amidst a division race Do you think Max Scherzer has enough left in the tank for a Blue Jays playoff run? | ||
| Yes | 116 | 51.8 % |
| No | 62 | 27.7 % |
| Too early to tell | 46 | 20.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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