May 8, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (thumb) completed a bullpen session on Wednesday. This was a significant step for the right-hander as he has been sidelined since his first start with a right thumb injury. He was initially placed on the 15-day IL but was recently shifted to the 60-day IL earlier in May. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, but it is an excellent sign to see him facing live hitters. Currently, the 40-year-old would be eligible to return from the IL in late May. However, given the time he has missed, Fantasy managers should not expect Scherzer to return until June, as he would likely need a lengthy rehab assignment. Last summer, Scherzer was also limited by numerous injuries, but was productive when on the bump, logging a 3.95 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. Given his unclear timetable, he should only be stashed in deeper 12+ team formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Andres Soto
May 6, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Max Scherzer (thumb) played catch at Angel Stadium before the team's game against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday and plans to face live hitters on Wednesday, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Scherzer continues to build up as his thumb feels better, but he said the bigger test will be how his thumb responds the day after he pitches in a game setting. The 40-year-old three-time Cy Young winner made just one start for the Blue Jays in the regular season before landing on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right thumb. He's had several setbacks along the way but is hoping that he can get over the hump when he resumes facing live hitters. The eight-time All-Star can still be useful in mixed fantasy leagues if he's healthy, but he's not as dominant as he once was and has been battling various ailments the last couple of years.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
May 5, 2025
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Monday that they transferred right-handers
Max Scherzer (thumb) and
Erik Swanson (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The team also optioned left-hander
Josh Walker to Triple-A Buffalo to make room on the roster for right-handers
Spencer Turnbull and
Jose Urena, who were signed over the weekend. A right-thumb injury has limited Scherzer to just one start in his first season with Toronto in 2025. While the 40-year-old eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner has been trending in the right direction of late while throwing off a mound, he won't be eligible to return from the IL until May 29. The future Hall of Famer will require a minor-league rehab assignment and most likely won't be back in Toronto's rotation until June, assuming he doesn't have another setback with his thumb.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Toronto Blue Jays
April 30, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (thumb) completed another bullpen session on Wednesday. Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted that the session went "fairly well." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 40-year-old's progression. However, seeing that he has completed two bullpen sessions without facing any setbacks is a positive sign. Scherzer hit the 15-day injured list following his season debut. In this outing against the Baltimore Orioles, the right-hander was removed from the contest after just three innings of work. If he is able to continue to increase his workload, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment in the coming weeks. Last summer, Scherzer battled injuries as well but was effective when on the bump, holding a 3.95 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. He remains a solid stash in deeper formats for the time being.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Arden Zwelling
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