Blue Jays set to welcome future Hall of Fame right-hander back to rotation

More importantly, as MLB.com's Keegan Matheson writes, Scherzer reached a "key number of pitches" that the organization was looking for him to throw -- 75. 

The 40-year-old could make his next start with the Blue Jays on Tuesday in Cleveland. 

Toronto enters play on Thursday just two games behind the Yankees in the AL East, but also 2.5 games ahead of the Guardians for the second wild-card spot. Returning Scherzer to their rotation will only provide a boost to a staff that has generally stepped up to keep the team afloat. Veteran left-hander Eric Lauer, in particular, has been a key surprise. 

Brought in over the offseason on a minor league deal just for depth, Lauer has stepped up when given the opportunity. He posted a 2.29 ERA over 35.1 IP in 10 games (including four starts), striking out 36 while walking 11. Even with Scherzer's pending return, there's a good chance Lauer remains in the rotation mix for the time being after Bowden Francis landed on the injured list on Wednesday with a shoulder impingement. 

Scherzer, in his 18th season in the majors, is unquestionably going to find himself recognized in Cooperstown once his playing career concludes. He's been to eight All-Star Games, won three Cy Young Awards (while also finishing in the Top 5 of voting five other times), and won a pair of World Series titles during his career. His 3,408 strikeouts rank 11th all-time in baseball history and he's just eight shy of tying his former teammate Justin Verlander for 10th.