Max Scherzer returns with solidity in his opening against Guardians

CLEVELAND. — After nearly three months of absence, Max Scherzer returned to the mound this Wednesday with an encouraging performance for the Toronto Blue Jays, throwing five solid innings against the Cleveland Guardians. Although Toronto fell 5-4 in extra innings, the return of the veteran right-hander left positive signs for the coaching staff and the team’s rotation.

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Scherzer, who hadn’t pitched since his debut on March 29 —when he left after three innings due to discomfort in his right thumb—, completed five innings with three runs, with four strikeouts, two walks and 83 pitches (55 in strike). “From a physical standpoint, I felt great today,” Scherzer said after the game. “It felt good to be out there and compete, and maintain my velocity throughout the game.” The three-time Cy Young winner started with a first inning of 25 pitches in which he struck out three batters, but allowed a run after a run-scoring single by Dominican José Ramírez. In the fourth inning, a double by Daniel Schneemann and a walk to Nolan Jones —caused by a pitch clock violation— paved the way for a run-producing hit by Venezuelan Gabriel Arias that put the Guardians ahead 3-1. “I made a bad pitch,” Scherzer admitted about that inning. “But overall, I felt good. I was a little rusty; I pitched well, not great.” Scherzer’s outing was his longest since he worked six innings on July 25, 2024, when he was still with the Rangers. Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not hide his satisfaction with the veteran’s performance. “There were a lot of positives to take away from this game,” Schneider said. “Having Max back in the rotation is a very, very good sign for us.” Toronto signed Scherzer in February with the intention of strengthening their rotation and competing in the current campaign. His early injury forced the team to improvise with pitchers like Easton Lucas, José Ureña and Spencer Turnbull, but none managed to secure a spot. Now, with Scherzer back, the Blue Jays hope to finally stabilize their five-man rotation.