Max Scherzer took another encouraging step toward returning to the Toronto Blue Jays rotation on Sunday, throwing a bullpen session at Rogers Centre after his recent rehab was interrupted by a thumb issue.
The veteran right-hander had been building toward a return from a back injury before requiring three cortisone injections in his pitching thumb during the All-Star break. Sunday's bullpen marked his first significant throwing session since the setback, with the Blue Jays hopeful he remains on track to rejoin the rotation soon.
Scherzer has made six starts this season, going 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA, a 1.73 WHIP and 14 strikeouts across 22 innings. While the results have fallen short of expectations, Toronto remains optimistic the future Hall of Famer can still provide stability during the second half.
Manager John Schneider previously described the thumb irritation as a "pause" rather than a setback, emphasizing that Scherzer had already completed most of his pitching buildup before the discomfort emerged. The bullpen session suggests the club is ready to resume that progression.
The 41-year-old's absence has forced Toronto to lean on its pitching depth while managing several rotation and bullpen injuries. Recent roster moves included recalling Brendon Little and Lázaro Estrada while optioning CJ Van Eyk and Adam Macko to Triple-A Buffalo.
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A successful bullpen session does not immediately place Scherzer back in Toronto's rotation, but it represents one of his biggest recovery milestones in weeks. The Blue Jays will continue evaluating how his thumb responds before determining whether another rehab outing is necessary.
If Scherzer progresses without any setbacks, the veteran could soon provide an experienced boost to a pitching staff hoping to strengthen its rotation during the second half.
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