Blue Jays Announce Max Scherzer Move Before Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 5:35 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to lock up the franchise’s first division title since 2015, and the rotation’s health down the stretch remains crucial to those hopes.

Notably, veteran Max Scherzer will look to make one last deep postseason run as he enters the final stage of his career. The 41-year-old right-hander left his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers early due to back tightness.

Scherzer has battled injury all season long, including a stint on the 60-day injured list with right thumb inflammation.

In 2025, he’s logged just 13 starts, posting a 4.11 ERA, 5–2 record and 62 strikeouts in 70 innings of work.

Ahead of a crucial weekend series against the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays announced via manager John Schneider that Chris Bassitt would start Saturday and Scherzer would be moved to Sunday.

The move was made to give Scherzer an extra day to recover from the stiffness.

"Chris Bassitt starts Saturday and Max Scherzer will go Sunday, said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. Switch was made to give Scherzer an extra day after he had the upper back stiffness last outing," wrote Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

Chris Bassitt starts Saturday and Max Scherzer will go Sunday, said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.

Switch was made to give Scherzer an extra day after he had the upper back stiffness last outing.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) September 5, 2025

Although Scherzer is no longer the ace he once was, he remains a key piece for Toronto.
His ability to log quality innings and relieve stress from the bullpen heading into October will be crucial.

Scherzer also brings an impressive resume that adds value to any clubhouse entering the postseason: