Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is already making a strong impression in spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays.
41- year old Max Scherzer has looked sharp in his early outings this spring so far for the Toronto Blue Jays, giving the club even more confidence in the depth of its starting rotation.
Toronto entered the offseason focused on strengthening its pitching staff through free agency, adding several arms to create a deep and competitive rotation.
However, injuries and unexpected developments have already begun testing that depth, even with Opening Day still approaching.
«It’s awesome, he brings so much to us as a team.»
George Springer on Max Scherzer returning for another season with the Blue Jays.
Scherzer ultra focused on earning a spot in the bottom of the Blue Jays rotation
Since arriving in camp, the veteran right-hander has wasted no time getting into form and showing why he remains one of the most respected pitchers in the game.
Before spring training began, the organization faced a difficult challenge: deciding how to manage the crowded rotation.
With so many viable starting options, it seemed inevitable that someone would be shifted to the bullpen.
Scherzer’s early performance, however, is strengthening his case to remain firmly in the starting mix.
Across his first two spring appearances, Scherzer has yet to allow an earned run. Over 8⅔ innings, opposing hitters have managed just a .074 batting average against him.
His first outing came against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he delivered four hitless innings on only 40 pitches.
Scherzer demonstrated precise control and efficiency, issuing just one walk while relying on his defense to convert outs rather than chasing high strikeout totals.
He followed that performance with another strong start against the Detroit Tigers.
In that appearance, Scherzer struck out five batters while allowing two hits and two walks, once again keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.
Max Scherzer has Tigers hitters in prison right now. 5 K’s through 3, along with 7 whiffs.
His fastball sat comfortably in the 94-95 mph range, and his off-speed pitches were equally effective.
One highlight came when he fooled Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle with a sharp curveball that dropped into the dirt for a swinging strikeout.
Just as important as the results is Scherzer’s health
The thumb injury that disrupted the early months of his 2025 season appears to be fully behind him this spring.
Scherzer’s contract also reflects confidence in his durability, featuring performance bonuses that begin once he reaches 65 innings pitched.
If his early form is any indication, he could play a major role for a Blue Jays team aiming to finish what it started after coming close to a championship in 2025.
With a deep rotation and Scherzer pitching well, Toronto has valuable insurance as it prepares for a season with championship aspirations.
Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
| 8 HOURS AGO|5 ANSWERSMax Scherzer providing Toronto Blue Jays rotation with insurance, looking impressive so far this springDo you think Max Scherzer will earn the 5th and final rotation spot? | ||
| Yes | ||
| No | ||
| Too early to tell | ||
MUST READ
| By Nelson AndersonFormer Toronto Blue Jays ace calling it a career, retiring following Dominican Republic 10-0 rout |
| By Nelson AndersonBlue Jays versus Mets: Today’s Lineup – Game Preview |
| By Nelson AndersonNew York Mets claim former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander off waivers |
| By Nelson AndersonToronto Blue Jays announce 50/50 raffle now available to four provinces |