Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirms Max Scherzer's Spring Training debut
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Max Scherzer is set for his Spring Training debut with Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Friday that veteran right-hander Max Scherzer will make his first appearance of Spring Training on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Scherzer's return to the mound will come quickly after rejoining Toronto.
Just over a week after agreeing to return to the club, the 41-year-old is scheduled to start Saturday's game at 1 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on Sportsnet.
Schneider also outlined the team's pitching schedule for the remainder of the weekend.
The Blue Jays will split their squad on Sunday. Kevin Gausman is expected to pitch against the Detroit Tigers, while Cody Ponce will take the mound versus the Baltimore Orioles. Both games are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann has yet to resume throwing after experiencing elbow soreness earlier in camp.
An MRI showed no structural damage, and Schneider said the team hopes the left-hander will be back throwing within the next few days.
«Hopefully in the next couple of days he should be back at it,» Schneider said.
Scherzer competing with Lauer and Berrios for a rotation spot this spring
Scherzer appeared in 17 games for Toronto last season, pitching 85 innings before adding three postseason starts.
The veteran went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA during his 18th Major League season while dealing with a thumb injury.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Scherzer threw a bullpen session on Monday before his contract was officially announced.
He followed that up by facing hitters during a live session on Wednesday as he continues building toward Opening Day.
Scherzer is competing for a spot in a crowded Blue Jays rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, José Berrios and Eric Lauer.
Bieber, however, is not expected to begin the season in the rotation as he continues to work through arm fatigue that has slowed his spring preparation.
Schneider said the right-hander is eager to return but no timeline has been set.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 6|57 ANSWERS Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirms Max Scherzer's Spring Training debut Will Max Scherzer earn a spot in the Toronto Blue Jays rotation? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 75.4 % |
| No | 4 | 7 % |
| Too early to tell | 10 | 17.5 % |
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