Max Scherzer offered the clearest update yet on his recovery from the injured list on Wednesday. The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander said he will make a rehab start Friday with the High-A Vancouver Canadians before continuing the next phase of his comeback.
Scherzer added that he will rejoin the Blue Jays in Seattle on Saturday. He plans to throw a side session on Sunday before determining his next step toward returning to the rotation.
The 41-year-old has been sidelined since being placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 14, with back spasms. The injury interrupted another comeback after earlier absences caused by right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
The schedule marks another positive step after Scherzer resumed throwing following a cortisone injection. Toronto continues to increase its workload cautiously before discussing an activation.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star, and two-time World Series champion, Scherzer returned to the Blue Jays on a one-year deal before the 2026 season. His experience is expected to strengthen a rotation that has battled injuries throughout the year.
In six starts this season, Scherzer is 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and a 1.73 WHIP across 22 innings. His rehab outing on Friday will be another opportunity to prove he is ready for a return.
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The Blue Jays entered Wednesday with a 41-46 record, sitting third in the American League East. They remain in the postseason race but need healthier pitching to gain ground during the second half.
Scherzer's progress gives Toronto reason for optimism after several weeks of uncertainty. A successful rehab outing and bullpen session would potentially position him for activation around or after the All-Star break, depending on how his recovery progresses.
