Blue Jays' John Schneider Announces Max Scherzer News Before Twins Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 3:20 PM ET

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer to a one-year, $3 million deal in the middle of spring training, the move raised questions because of how much rotation depth the team already had. Just two weeks after Opening Day, however, the Blue Jays would be in serious trouble without him.

Toronto has dealt with a wave of injuries early in 2026, with four right-handed starters currently on the injured list: Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Cody Ponce. Because of that, Scherzer has a secure spot in the rotation.

But that does not mean he has avoided health concerns himself. The 41-year-old exited his last start on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers with right forearm tendinitis after just two innings of work.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31)Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Fortunately for Toronto, the setback appears minor. Scherzer will not require a stint on the injured list, and even better for the Blue Jays, he will not miss any time. Ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins, the team placed Scherzer back into his usual rotation slot.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider spoke with reporters and addressed Scherzer’s status positively, saying he will start as planned on a “pretty normal” workload, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

Given the current state of the rotation, even a normal workload is a welcome sign. It is also encouraging considering Scherzer missed months last season, his first with Toronto, due to recurring thumb issues.

Max Scherzer all set to start tomorrow as planned with a “pretty normal” workload expected per John Schneider.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 11, 2026

Scherzer also struggled during the regular season in 2025, posting a career-high 5.19 ERA, but he turned it around in October and helped Toronto reach the World Series.

He remains one of the most accomplished pitchers of his era with three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star selections, and he is a clear future Hall of Famer.

If Scherzer can stay healthy and provide stability while the rotation heals, he may once again become one of the most important pieces in Toronto’s push to remain competitive in the American League.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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