Max Scherzer

Fantasy News

• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Rises to occasion Saturday

  Rotowire Mar 15, 2026

  Scherzer gave up two hits and two walks over 4.2 scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers. He struck out five. With Tarik Skubal on the mound for Detroit, Scherzer's competitive fire kicked in even in a low-stakes exhibition game, and he tossed 42 of 65 pitches for strikes before exiting the mound with the Jays ahead 1-0. Scherzer has yet to give up a run in two spring starts since re-signing with Toronto in late February, posting a 6:3 K:BB in 8.2 innings, and with Jose Berrios (elbow) looking uncertain for Opening Day, the 41-year-old appears ticketed for a spot in the rotation to begin 2026.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Four no-hit frames Saturday

  Rotowire Mar 8, 2026

  Scherzer walked one and struck out one over four scoreless, no-hit innings during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies. Making his first appearance of the spring, the 41-year-old Scherzer ended up in something of a pitcher's duel with 22-year-old Andrew Painter in what ended up being a 1-0 win for the Blue Jays. Scherzer faced the tougher lineup of the two, as the Phillies sent out most of their Opening Day starters who weren't participating in the WBC, including Trea Turner, Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto. Scherzer tossed 29 of 40 pitches for strikes, and while it's not yet clear how Toronto will arrange its rotation to begin the season with Jose Berrios healthy and Trey Yesavage likely to handle a limited workload, the future Hall of Famer Scherzer looks like he'll be ready for a significant role right out of the gate.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Will be ready for start of season

  Rotowire Mar 3, 2026

  Scherzer said Tuesday that he is completely over last year's nagging thumb issues and will be ready to go at the start of the season, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Scherzer also confirmed that he will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday against the Phillies and hopes to throw multiple innings. The 41-year-old agreed to terms with the Blue Jays just last week, but he's been throwing on his own and appears to be built up stamina-wise where he would normally be at this stage of spring training. Scherzer isn't guaranteed a spot in the Toronto rotation when the regular season begins, however, as Jose Berrios also appears to be over his 2025 injury issues.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Could pitch in game Saturday

  Rotowire Mar 2, 2026

  Scherzer could be ready for his Grapefruit League debut as soon as Saturday versus the Phillies, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Scherzer is in Blue Jays camp after agreeing to terms last week, though his deal has yet to be officially announced. It's not a given that the 41-year-old will be part of the Opening Day rotation, but Scherzer had been throwing on his own so it shouldn't take too long to rebuild his stamina.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: May not be part of initial rotation

  Rotowire Feb 26, 2026

  Scherzer could ramp up slowly to begin the season, with the Blue Jays more concerned about having him available in September and October than March and April, Mitch Bannon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report. The 41-year-old right-hander made one start in March last season before being shut down due to a lingering thumb issue, and Scherzer didn't re-join the Toronto rotation until late June. Having re-signed with the team Wednesday on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $13 million with incentives, a similar plan could be in place for 2026, although Scherzer at least appears to be healthier this spring. Even with Shane Bieber (forearm) set to begin the season on the IL, the Jays have plenty of healthy rotation depth at this point in camp, with Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer capable of taking regular turns to begin the campaign.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Back with Blue Jays

  Rotowire Feb 26, 2026

  Scherzer agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The Blue Jays and Scherzer had mutual interest in a reunion throughout the offseason, and the two sides have now finally agreed on a deal that includes up to $10 million in incentives. The veteran righty took a step back in 2025, as he finished the regular season with a career-worst 5.19 ERA and gave up 19 home runs in 85 innings (17 starts). That being said, he still maintained a strong 82:23 K:BB in the regular season, then posted a 3.77 ERA in three starts during Toronto's postseason run. With Shane Bieber (forearm) due to open the season on the injured list, Scherzer has a path to being included in the Blue Jays' Opening Day rotation, though he likely won't be guaranteed a job when the team's starters are all fully healthy.

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• Max Scherzer: Keeping in touch with Jays

  Rotowire Feb 21, 2026

  Scherzer and his representatives have kept in contact with the Blue Jays this offseason and into spring training, Mitch Bannon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report. Toronto doesn't have a spot in the rotation for Scherzer after signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce over the winter, but with Shane Bieber (forearm) set to begin the season on the IL, the team's pitching depth is a little precarious. If another injury hits the staff this spring, it could be enough to prompt a reunion with Scherzer. The 41-year-old posted a 5.19 ERA over 85 innings with the Jays during the 2025 regular season, serving up 19 homers but still delivering a solid 82:23 K:BB, and he made three postseason starts for Toronto during their run to the World Series with a 3.77 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB in 14.1 innings. Scherzer is likely looking for a contract similar to the one Justin Verlander got from the Tigers: a one-year deal worth $13 million but with $11 million deferred.

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• Max Scherzer: Not rushing to sign

  Rotowire Jan 22, 2026

  Scherzer is waiting for the right opportunity to sign with a team this offseason, and he could wait until after Opening Day, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. Scherzer told the media that he was healthy and ready to sign immediately, but that he only wants to pitch for certain teams. The right-hander didn't list or hint at which clubs he'd be willing to play for, but he did say that he is willing to wait the situation out as he enters his age-41 campaign. There's still plenty of time for Scherzer to sign and be ready to begin the 2026 season on time, but this will be a situation to monitor in the coming weeks.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Puts forth strong effort in Game 7

  Rotowire Nov 2, 2025

  Scherzer logged a no-decision in Game 7 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out three batters over 4.1 innings. Scherzer got the start and was able to give Toronto 4.1 innings and 54 pitches (34 strikes). He retired nine of the first 10 batters he faced before fading a bit in the fourth, when the Dodgers touched him up for a run on a double, a single, a walk and a sacrifice fly. Scherzer retired the first batter he faced in the fifth but was pulled after allowing a Miguel Rojas single. Overall, it was a noble effort by the 41-year-old hurler, who departed with his team holding a 3-1 lead. Over two World Series starts, he allowed four runs while posting a 6:1 K:BB across 8.2 frames.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Would start potential Game 7

  Rotowire Oct 31, 2025

  Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Friday that Scherzer would start a potential Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday versus the Dodgers, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports. The Blue Jays are hoping to close things out with a win Friday in Game 6, but if that doesn't happen, they'll turn to the 41-year-old Saturday. Scherzer was charged with three runs over 4.1 frames in Game 3, taking a no-decision in Toronto's extra-innings loss. It would be an all-hands-on-deck situation for the Blue Jays if there is a Game 7, so Scherzer's leash would be short.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Bitten by long ball

  Rotowire Oct 28, 2025

  Scherzer allowed three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three across 4.1 innings during Monday's Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers. He didn't factor into the decision. Scherzer was hurt by a pair of solo home runs, one by Teoscar Hernandez in the bottom of the second inning and another by Shohei Ohtani in the third. He was later pulled after Ohtani plated a run in the fifth on a one-out double. Even so, Scherzer actually departed the outing with a one-run lead, which didn't last after Mason Fluharty gave up the tying run later in the fifth inning. Scherzer has been serviceable for the Blue Jays in his two postseason starts, giving up five runs (three earned) and striking out eight in 10.0 innings of work. He could be in the running for a Game 7 start or an inning or two in relief depending on how the rest of the series plays out.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Wins postseason debut

  Rotowire Oct 17, 2025

  Scherzer (1-0) allowed two earned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings to earn the win in Game 4 of the ALCS on Thursday against the Mariners. Scherzer drew his first start of the postseason and took the mound in a game for the first time since Sept. 24. He understandably showed some rust, issuing two free passes in the first inning and giving up a leadoff homer in the second inning. He settled in from there, allowing only a pair of singles and walks across his final 3.2 frames of work. It's unclear when Scherzer will be called upon next, but he played a big part in the Blue Jays leveling the ALCS through four games.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Likely on tap for Game 4 start

  Rotowire Oct 13, 2025

  Scherzer threw a bullpen session Monday, tentatively lining him up to start Game 4 of the ALCS versus the Mariners on Thursday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. Both Scherzer and Chris Bassitt were added to the Blue Jays' ALCS roster after neither were included on the ALDS roster. It appears it will be Scherzer getting the nod over Bassitt as the fourth member of Toronto's ALCS rotation, although manager John Schneider has not yet confirmed it. Scherzer stumbled to the finish line with a 9.00 ERA over his final six regular-season starts. However, he had a 3.60 ERA and 56:15 K:BB over 60 frames covering his first 11 starts, and the Blue Jays will place faith in the 41-year-old's extensive postseason experience.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Added to roster for ALCS

  Rotowire Oct 12, 2025

  The Blue Jays included Scherzer on their roster for the ALCS against the Mariners, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Scherzer was left of the ALDS roster but is back for the championship series with Toronto needing some more length for the seven-game series. It remains to be seen if the 41-year-old will step into the Blue Jays' rotation or if he'll operate out of the bullpen versus Seattle.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Rebounds after rough first frame

  Rotowire Sep 14, 2025

  Scherzer allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters over five innings in a no-decision against Baltimore on Saturday. Scherzer labored in the first inning, giving up two runs and allowing the first three batters he faced to reach base. The veteran hurler bounced back impressively thereafter, keeping the Orioles off the scoreboard for the remainder of his outing. Overall, Scherzer tossed 64 of 91 pitches for strikes and got 14 whiffs en route to five punchouts. This was the first time he's been able to complete five innings in his past three starts and the first time he's allowed fewer than four runs across his past four outings. Scherzer lines up for a road matchup in Tampa Bay his next time out.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Set to pitch Sunday

  Rotowire Sep 6, 2025

  Scherzer (back) is now slated to start Sunday's series finale against the Yankees in The Bronx, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports. Scherzer contended with upper-back tightness during his most recent start last Sunday against the Brewers, but since he reported improvement afterward and was able to go through his between-starts routine, the right-hander was initially penciled in to start Saturday's contest versus the Yankees. Though Scherzer hasn't suffered any setbacks, manager John Schneider said he made the decision to push the 41-year-old back an extra day in order to give him more time to recover from the injury. Scherzer isn't expected to be operating with any restrictions during Sunday's outing.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Managing upper-back tightness

  Rotowire Aug 31, 2025

  Manager John Schneider said after Sunday's 8-4 win over the Brewers that Scherzer was pitching through upper-back tightness, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. The right-hander took a no-decision after striking out one and giving up four runs on nine hits and no walks across four innings. The 41-year-old threw 45 of 67 pitches for strikes and generated just three whiffs while surrendering a pair of home runs, with his early exit ending a run of six straight starts of at least six innings. The back issue hasn't seemed to stir up much cause for concern, though it's worth keeping an eye out for any updates on Scherzer ahead of his next turn through the rotation, which currently lines up for next weekend on the road against the Yankees.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Notches fifth win

  Rotowire Aug 25, 2025

  Scherzer (5-2) earned the win Monday against Minnesota, allowing four runs on four hits and one walk over six innings with five strikeouts. The grizzled veteran snapped a streak of five consecutive quality starts but managed to secure his 221st career victory. Outside a pair of homers conceded to Matt Wallner, Scherzer was in control of this game, allowing just three additional baserunners and generating 13 whiffs out of 97 total pitches. The 41-year-old has rounded into a dependable fantasy option once again this season, pitching to a 3.82 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 61:16 K:BB across 66 total frames. Scherzer is tentatively scheduled to make his next appearance at Cincinnati early next week.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Logs fifth straight quality start

  Rotowire Aug 20, 2025

  Scherzer (2-4) got the win Tuesday over the Pirates, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four in six innings. Scherzer's control was a little shaky, as he issued three walks for the second time in his past three outings, but he was able to limit the damage in crucial situations. Tuesday's outing was a fifth straight quality start for Scherzer, though he hasn't topped five strikeouts since he punched out 11 on July 27. During his streak of quality starts, Scherzer has posted a 2.25 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 28:7 K:BB in 32 innings. He lines up for a home start versus Minnesota to open up next week.

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• Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: Goes seven innings in third win

  Rotowire Aug 14, 2025

  Scherzer (3-2) earned the win Thursday over the Cubs, allowing one run on five hits and a walk across seven innings. He struck out three. Scherzer was excellent Thursday, blanking Chicago for five innings before allowing a lone run on a Michael Busch homer in the sixth. The 41-year-old right-hander has pitched to a 2.42 ERA over his last four starts (26 innings), lowering his ERA to 3.83 on the year with a 1.07 WHIP and 52 strikeouts across 10 starts (54 innings). Scherzer will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Pittsburgh.

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