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Blue Jays Injury Update: Max Scherzer set for rehab start

How close is Max Scherzer to pitching in the Blue Jays rotation?
ByBaron Dionis|
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Angels
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Angels | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

Max Scherzer is slowly inching his way back to Toronto's rotation and one of the last things he needs to complete to return is a rehab assignment. He will start on the mound today (Friday) in Triple-A. His health is the number one priority, so they are looking for key details to see if he is ready to be placed back in the rotation.

This is what the Blue Jays must watch for in Max Scherzer's rehab outing.

First, the Blue Jays will need to assess his control. He has never really struggled with walks in his career, so if that presents itself as an issue, it is clear that something is still wrong. His career BB/9 sits at 2.36, which is actually very impressive for as many years as he has pitched in the league. Some may think that at 40 years old, he may decline with his control, but that isn't the case as it went down to 2.08 in 2024.

Additionally, the Blue Jays will need to see that his velocity is sitting at the right speed. Scherzer's velocity has come down these last few seasons, but he still can sit in the low 90s. His velocity now should be around 91-93 mph, so if it is down, it isn't entirely alarming, but it does indicate that he isn't quite ready yet.

If Scherzer can maintain his velocity and deliver his control, he could make this rehab shorter than what it needs to be. The Blue Jays could really use his arm in the rotation over Bowden Francis. This team is one of the hottest in the league right now and making that simple rotation switch could make them even better.

Scherzer was the big addition to the rotation this past offseason and he has only been able to throw three innings as a Blue Jay. Hopefully no problems arise in his rehab outing so he can boost this team. Toronto needs it badly too as he could turn this solid team into an excellent team.

Scherzer's first rehab against the Guardians Triple-A affiliate should be prime viewing. The hope is he should be able to go around three to four innings after his high sim game pitch counts, making him very close to fully built up for major league game action. The run the Blue Jays have been on has already been great and boosting the pitching staff to go with that offense would only get this team closer to an AL East title or a top Wild Card spot.