The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating significant pitching decisions as veteran right-hander Max Scherzer progresses through his rehabilitation and fellow right-hander Shane Bieber continues to face challenges on the mound. These developments come as the team looks to improve its standing in the American League East.
Max Scherzer, who will turn 42 in a couple of weeks, began the 2026 MLB season healthy but has since dealt with two separate stints on the injured list. He initially went down on April 25 with a forearm strain and later returned to the injured list on June 14 due to back spasms. In his six starts this year, Scherzer has pitched 22 innings, recording a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA, 14 strikeouts, and 11 walks.
Scherzer’s Rehabilitation Progress
Scherzer has been working his way back from the back spasms, making two rehabilitation starts in the minors. These starts took place at High-A Vancouver and Triple-A Buffalo. According to reports, he is nearing the end of his rehab process. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in Toronto on Saturday, followed by another rehab start with the Blue Jays’ FCL team in Florida on Tuesday. His next start after the Florida outing could potentially be in the major leagues, suggesting a possible return to the active roster immediately after the upcoming break.
Should Scherzer be activated, the Blue Jays would face a personnel decision regarding their pitching depth, as his return would theoretically create a six-man rotation. This situation could lead to difficult choices for the team, especially given the current performance of other pitchers.
Bieber’s Recent Performance
The potential return of Scherzer puts a spotlight on Shane Bieber, who has experienced a difficult period since returning from elbow issues. In three starts, Bieber has pitched 13 innings, holding an 0-1 record with a 9.00 ERA. During these outings, he has recorded nine strikeouts, walked seven batters, and surrendered six home runs. Batters have achieved a .351/.422/.737 slash line against him. His fastball velocity is reportedly in the 15th percentile, and his average exit velocity is around the 5th percentile.
Both Bieber and Scherzer have not performed at their best during the 2026 season. Despite their struggles, the team appears to remain committed to both pitchers. However, maintaining a six-man rotation might not be a viable long-term solution if their performance issues persist. One of them could potentially be moved to the bullpen, an area of the team that has open slots following the trade of Tommy Nance.
Another pitcher who could be affected by these decisions is right-hander Chad Dallas, who has been moving between the major league club and Triple-A this year. A move of either Bieber or Scherzer to the bullpen would provide the club with an additional long relief arm, joining lefty Patrick Corbin, who was previously moved to the bullpen.
Team Standings and All-Star Selections
The Blue Jays currently hold a 44-49 record, placing them 11 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. The team is scheduled to play a weekend series against the San Diego Padres, which will be their final series before the upcoming All-Star Break.
Regarding the All-Star Game, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement were named as starters for the American League. However, Vlad Guerrero Jr. has reportedly withdrawn from the event. Other Blue Jays players selected include pitcher Dylan Cease and relief pitcher Louis Varland. The team is second last in the league in runs per game, indicating that starting pitching issues are likely to continue to be a primary concern.
The Blue Jays will play their final series before the All-Star Break against the San Diego Padres.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
