The Toronto Blue Jays are 21-25 through 46 games, sitting third in the AL East as the club continues to search for consistency. With the standings growing tighter and little room for error, the return of a key rotation piece would prove crucial to any Toronto turnaround.
Max Scherzer threw a bullpen session on Monday, providing the Blue Jays with an update on his recovery, per ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. Scherzer has been on the injured list since April 27 with forearm tendinitis and right ankle inflammation.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner threw 20 pitches without any pain, per Castillo. The plan is to ramp up from there as the 41-year-old continues to work his way back to the rotation.
Scherzer signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays ahead of the 2026 season, returning to a club that reached the 2025 World Series. Despite the team’s rough start, he remained one of the more important pieces in a rotation that has dealt with multiple injury setbacks this spring.
Prior to heading to the injured list, Scherzer carried a 9.64 earned run average in five starts, surrendering 20 runs on 22 hits and eight walks in 18 2/3 innings.
His career resume reinforces why his health matters: three Cy Young Awards, 3,499 strikeouts and two World Series rings. Even at 41, he is among the most accomplished pitchers in the game. His return would give Toronto a veteran stabilizer as the Blue Jays try to claw back toward contention in a crowded AL East.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31)
© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
There is no timetable for his return. However, as Scherzer continues to ramp up his throwing program, the Blue Jays will closely monitor his progress to ensure he is ready to return to the mound.
Related: Blue Jays Share George Springer Update After One Missed Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
