Max Scherzer to Start on 42nd Birthday After 56-Pitch Rehab Outing

Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer will return from the injured list to start Monday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals.

Max Scherzer will activate from the injured list to start for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, July 27, 2026, coinciding with his 42nd birthday. Manager John Schneider confirmed the veteran right-hander will take the mound for the series opener against the Washington Nationals following Toronto's 6-1 series finale defeat to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Sunday. Scherzer enters the matchup with a 1-4 record and a 10.23 ERA across six starts this season.

During his final preparation for activation, Scherzer threw 56 pitches over five innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday. He recorded seven strikeouts during that appearance. Schneider noted that while the pitcher checked all necessary boxes regarding physical recovery, he may face a limited pitch count in his return to the rotation. The three-time Cy Young winner has been sidelined since mid-June due to back spasms and has managed various setbacks, including receiving three cortisone shots in his thumb.

Injury Recovery and Pitching Stats

Scherzer’s return comes as Toronto has struggled, dropping seven of their last 10 contests since the All-Star break. Over a career spanning 19 seasons and seven different franchises, the right-hander has compiled a 222-121 record with a 3.27 ERA in 489 games. He has earned two World Series rings, securing his first with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and his second as a member of the Texas Rangers in 2023.

Last season, Scherzer was omitted from the Blue Jays' ALDS roster following late-season struggles but was subsequently included on the rosters for the ALCS and the World Series. Toronto ultimately lost that championship series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. The decision to start him Monday followed discussions between the player and coaching staff regarding his physical state and how his body responded to the workload in Buffalo.

Toronto Rotation Adjustments

John Schneider emphasized that the veteran's recovery process was the primary factor in the timing of this start. The Blue Jays manager stated that Scherzer appears to have moved past the back spasms that originally forced him onto the injured list. This move provides a veteran presence to a rotation that saw the team fall five runs short in their most recent outing in Boston.

The upcoming start at Nationals Park marks a return to the site where Scherzer won his first title. His 10.23 ERA represents his highest mark in a single season through six starts. By starting the series opener, he aims to improve upon his current 1-4 win-loss total for the 2026 campaign. The Blue Jays are looking to stabilize their performance after the recent 10-game stretch following the mid-season break.

Career Milestones and Team Context

Scherzer’s 42nd birthday start adds another chapter to a career that includes 19 years of Major League service. His 222 career wins place him among the most successful active pitchers in the sport. The Toronto coaching staff monitored his recovery closely after the Buffalo outing to ensure he was prepared for the intensity of a Major League series opener.

Despite the thumb issues requiring multiple cortisone injections, the right-hander's seven-strikeout performance in Triple-A signaled his readiness for high-level competition. The Blue Jays will rely on his experience as they navigate the remainder of the season following their World Series appearance a year ago. Monday's game will be Scherzer's seventh start of the current season.