Chase Lee is making his way back to the big leagues, as the Toronto Blue Jays have called him up from Triple-A following the unfortunate news that Max Scherzer is hitting the injured list. Scherzer, a name synonymous with pitching greatness, is sidelined with right forearm tendinitis and an inflamed left ankle, adding another twist to the Blue Jays’ early-season challenges.
For fans of the Detroit Tigers, this move might stir memories of Lee’s promising start with their team. Lee was brought to Detroit from the Texas Rangers in a 2024 trade for Andrew Chafin, with hopes that his quirky delivery and deceptive fastball-slider combo would bolster their bullpen for the long haul.
And for a while, it seemed like a match made in baseball heaven. Lee burst onto the major league scene in April 2025, racking up a 4-0 record and an impressive 2.05 ERA over his first 30 2/3 innings. He quickly became a go-to guy in the Tigers’ bullpen, a reliable arm when they needed it most.
But as fast as his star rose, it dimmed just as quickly. A rough patch in July saw him give up 10 runs and five homers in a mere two innings. As the Tigers sought to strengthen their bullpen for a playoff push, Lee found himself back in Triple-A Toledo and was eventually traded to Toronto in December for Johan Simon, a minor-league pitcher.
Now, with Scherzer’s absence, Lee is getting another shot in the majors, this time with the Blue Jays. Scherzer’s struggles this season have been surprising, given his storied career. After signing a one-year, $3 million contract with Toronto, he has had a rocky start, posting a 9.64 ERA and giving up seven home runs over 18 2/3 innings.
For Lee, this is a golden opportunity to prove himself once again. With Scherzer’s injury creating a vacancy, Lee has a chance to remind everyone why he was once considered a key asset in Detroit’s bullpen.
And perhaps, there’s a bit of extra fire in his belly as he faces the team where his major league journey first gained traction. The stage is set for Lee to make his mark once more, and the Blue Jays will be hoping he can seize the moment.