Huge Blue Jays roster implication hinging on Max Scherzer's start on Sunday

Somewhat miraculously, the Toronto Blue Jays have survived the onslaught of injuries to their pitching staff, despite the fact that only two pitchers (Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage) from their projected Opening Day rotation are currently healthy.

This isn't sustainable, not with Spencer Miles and a "bullpen game" taking up 40% of the starts of the rotation. Luckily, at least one reinforcement appears close to returning, as Max Scherzer will make his first rehab start at Triple-A Buffalo this weekend.

The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer has been out since late April with forearm and ankle issues, meaning he's had about a month to rest and recover. If he performs well in his rehab appearance, there shouldn't be anything stopping him from returning to the Blue Jays in the first week of June.

Max Scherzer needs to better, not just healthier, in order to help Blue Jays stay afloat

Though injuries certainly had something to do with it, Scherzer looked nothing like the ace of yesteryear he once was. He recorded a 9.64 ERA and 8.32 FIP across five starts before landing on the shelf, including a pair of outings in which he allowed 7+ runs while only completing 2.1 innings.

Practically nothing was working for him on the mound, as he allowed seven home runs and eight walks in 18.2 total frames. He could hardly strike anyone out, he had trouble keeping the ball on the ground, and his velocity reached a career-low level.

In other words, he's not Mad Max anymore. Age and injuries may have finally caught up with him, sad as that is to say. If he falters during his rehab assignment, the Blue Jays may need to go back to the drawing board with their rotation plans.

That being said, he proved last year in the playoffs that he can still deliver when needed. He's fighting back through a fickle set of injuries, which should lead to better results if and when he's fully recovered. That's why his rehab start is such an important test -- regardless of the results, if he looks good (and throws without pain), then the Blue Jays can move forward expecting him to eat innings.

Luckily, even if he needs more time on the mend, Dylan Cease will begin his throwing program this weekend as well. Getting both starters back would be a huge boon for the team's chances, but the Jays have proven surprisingly resilient even with seven(!) starters currently on the injured list.

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