Blue Jays' Max Scherzer to start Monday vs. Nationals

Blue Jays' Max Scherzer to start Monday vs. Nationals

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced that veteran right-hander Max Scherzer will start Monday’s series opener in Washington. The start coincides with Scherzer's 42nd birthday and marks his return from the injured list.

Schneider confirmed the decision following a 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Sunday. The manager noted that the decision came after evaluating Scherzer's physical condition and his recovery from a rehab outing in Triple-A Buffalo.

Scherzer is coming off a stint on the injured list that began in mid-June due to back spasms. His recovery included various setbacks, such as three cortisone shots in his thumb. On Wednesday, he threw 56 pitches across five innings and recorded seven strikeouts during his rehab start. While Schneider indicated Scherzer might be limited in pitch count for Monday, he stated the pitcher had checked all the boxes.

The return comes during a difficult stretch for the Blue Jays, who have lost seven of their last 10 games since the All-Star break. Scherzer has struggled this season, posting a 10.23 ERA with a 1-4 record across only six starts for Toronto.

Monday's game carries particular significance as Scherzer returns to Washington, the city where he spent parts of seven years. During his tenure with the Nationals, Scherzer recorded a 2.80 ERA and a 92-47 record. He earned two Cy Young Awards and six All-Star selections with the club, appearing in the All-Star game every year except 2020. He also helped lead the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019.

Scherzer’s career spans 19 seasons across seven different teams, totaling 489 games with a 3.27 ERA and a 222-121 record. In addition to his 2019 ring with Washington, he won a World Series with Texas in 2023. Last season, despite late-season struggles that saw him left off the ALDS roster, he was included on the Blue Jays' ALCS and World Series rosters before Toronto lost the series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.

The Blue Jays enter this series following a disappointing Sunday performance. Kevin Gausman started for Toronto, giving up three runs over six innings. Gausman has a 4-10 record and is currently winless in his last 11 starts, having gone 0-7 with a 5.93 ERA since May 22.

The loss was fueled by the Boston Red Sox, who finished a 10-game homestand with an 8-2 record. The Red Sox offense was led by Jarren Duran, who drove in two runs with one of three singles, and Jahmai Jones, who hit a pinch-hit two-run double. Ceddanne Rafaela contributed an RBI single. Boston's Ranger Suárez, returning from a three-week absence due to a strained left groin, provided four scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

While the Blue Jays look toward Scherzer's return, the organization also noted a connection to Cooperstown on Sunday. Longtime infielder Jeff Kent was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame alongside Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones. Kent debuted with the Blue Jays during the 1992 season before being traded to the New York Mets for David Cone.

The Blue Jays currently hold a record of 48-58. With the trade deadline approaching on Aug. 3, the team faces decisions regarding its roster and potential sales.

Scherzer will face LHP Andrew Alvarez, who holds a 2-3 record and a 4.22 ERA, on Monday night in Washington.