Veteran starter Max Scherzer is turning around his season with the Toronto Blue Jays, which will make the postseason compelling.
In his last six starts, including his last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he’s put out quality starts. As well, has rebounded since coming off the injured list. But in his last five starts, he’s been cooking up dominance. He’s recorded an ERA of 2.25, a 0.94 WHIP, an opponents average of .197, and BB/K 7/28.
The Scherzer the Blue Jays Signed for Is Coming Alive
Scherzer Rebounding from Injury
When Scherzer made his debut with the Blue Jays this season, it was not how fans had pictured it. He only went three innings and gave up two home runs.
But he was also dealing with his lingering thumb issue that resurfaced from last season. Scherzer understood at the time that he wouldn’t be able to pitch if he didn’t get his thumb better. His thumb was impacting his lat, which caused a strain.
Scherzer looks like his dominant self, and fans have been compelled by his recent performance. What he wants is to win and help the Blue Jays make a deep push in the postseason this year. Something that they haven’t been able to do since 2015. But this season, the Blue Jays look even more dominant than in 2015.
Over Scherzer’s past four starts, he’s been even more impressive. The dominant Scherzer has gone at least six innings in each and has given the Blue Jays a 1.80 ERA over 25 frames. His all-in strategy makes the Blue Jays the team to beat.
October Baseball
Every discussion surrounding the Blue Jays until we reach the end of September needs to keep a close eye on October. When the Blue Jays signed Scherzer in the offseason to a one-year, $15.5 million deal, the hope was that he would be pitching in the postseason.
It’s taken a lengthy and tricky road for the veteran “Mad Max” to get where he’s at with his pitching now. But perhaps his bothersome thumb issue has provided Scherzer with something. Essentially, a ton of gas for the games that will be the most significant.
Last Word On Scherzer
Scherzer, at the end of the day, just wants to win. His competitive drive and edge have been a blessing in the Blue Jays dugout. He is what the Blue Jays needed, and while he’s not a pitcher that will provide the Blue Jays with a future considering his age, he’s a future Hall of Famer. Whether or not he will pitch next season and resign with the Blue Jays is a whole other story, but what’s crucial is that we focus on getting to October baseball.
If Scherzer can help the Blue Jays earn a World Series or make memorable performances in the postseason, then the $15.5 million signing will be the offseason signing that goes down in Blue Jays history as elite.
Whether the Blue Jays make a deep enough pitch even to bless fans with the reality of reaching the World Series remains to be seen. But whatever happens, fans will always cherish this season. All in all, who would have thought the Blue Jays would be in first place in the AL East? With Scherzer cooking in the rotation and Shane Bieber making his debut against the Miami Marlins on Friday, the Blue Jays rotation with its veteran presence continues to stand tall.
Main Photo Credits: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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