Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer ramping up for ALDS

A five-inning, 70-pitch outing from Scherzer means there's no chance the 41-year-old right-hander will be available this weekend for Games 1 or 2.

Bowden Francis also pitched, though he's not a consideration for the ALDS roster.

That's not exactly a surprise, but if the Blue Jays wanted Scherzer available out of the bullpen this round, something he's done five times in the post-season over the years, they wouldn't have let him pitch this much in an exhibition game.

Having thrown 70 pitches Thursday, Scherzer would line up for a Game 3 or 4 start on Tuesday or Wednesday, if needed.

It's also possible he won't be on the roster for this round, and the Dodgers' decision to leave Clayton Kershaw off their Wild Card roster offers a reminder that these decisions are about who can help most over a short period against a specific opponent, not about what's needed to get through the grind of 162 games.

Manager John Schneider will address the media again Friday, but there was no media availability Thursday, so the significance of Scherzer's extended outing remains murky for now.

Starters Shane Bieber and Chris Bassitt also pitched Thursday, with Bassitt wearing a red jersey that stood in stark contrast to his teammates in blue and white.

Both right-handers pitched relatively short outings, keeping options open for the Blue Jays should either pitcher be needed this weekend.

Ultimately it doesn't matter how the Blue Jays decide to sequence their starting pitchers unless the pitchers perform to their ability, while also getting some support from the offence.

But some early hints are emerging with more to be revealed Friday when Schneider speaks on the first official ALDS workout day.

Source: Sportsnet
Credit: Ben Nicholson-Smith