Blue Jays news: Davis Schneider returns, Max Scherzer's next steps, Patrick Corbin hurt

Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Davis Schneider this season. The Toronto Blue Jays recalled the 27-year-old outfielder ahead of their series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday (Jul. 23). Schneider began the season with the Blue Jays, making the team's Opening Day roster, but he struggled to maintain a consistent producer, albeit not getting every day reps right out of the gate.

Schneider was optioned for the first time on May 25. He was recalled Jun. 12, before being optioned again on Jun. 27. In the 16 games he played with Triple-A Buffalo since that last demotion, Schneider has slashed .294/.464/.647 with five home runs, 15 walks and 18 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances. He managed to produce a .345 BABIP with a 1.111 OPS.

That's the best stretch he's had at any level this season. In 49 games with the Blue Jays this season he slashed .153/.282/.296 with three home runs, 18 walks and 39 strikeouts. His promotion coincides with a couple of other player's being shuffled around.

Sean Keys was optioned to Triple-A, while left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin was placed on the 15-day IL with a left teres major strain. Taking Corbin's spot in the bullpen is Canadian lefty Adam Macko. This is also Macko's third stint with the Blue Jays this season.

He made his MLB debut in the middle of May. He was sent down at the beginning of June, but was recalled in the middle of that month, before being sent back down on Jul. 18. In 19 games with the Blue Jays, Macko has pitched to a 5.03 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 19.2 innings pitched, giving up two home runs and 11 earned runs.

Max Scherzer's impending return could be near

There could be even further roster movement coming soon as 41-year-old future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer dominated in his start on Wednesday afternoon for the Buffalo Bisons. He was making a rehab start with the Triple-A club and according to Sportsnet reporter Arden Zwelling, Scherzer woke up on Thursday feeling great.

He pitched five no-hit innings while striking out seven hitters on 56 pitches, 40 of which were thrown for strikes. Scherzer hasn't gotten through five innings in any game in the last three months.

The Blue Jays will now have to assess the next steps for Mad Max. Perhaps he comes up and tries to ride out the season with the Blue Jays, by adding some extra numbers onto his Hall of Fame resume. Perhpas he showcases enough that a team that is firmly in contention decides to take a flier on him and throws the Blue Jays a prospect in exchange for the services of the veteran.

Regardless of which way it goes, the Blue Jays and Scherzer are both hoping that the last few months of 2026 are filled with more positives than the first few months.

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