Blue Jays Receive Unfortunate Max Scherzer News Before Rays Game

The Toronto Blue Jays are set to commence a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. This follows a successful road trip where the Blue Jays achieved a 4-2 record, including a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners. 

In the final game of the series, Toronto secured a 9-1 victory, highlighted by George Springer's three-run home run and Addison Barger's first homer of the season. Eric Lauer contributed with 4.2 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit and striking out five batters.

The winning streak improved the Blue Jays to .500 on the season, while they remain the third seed in the American League East. They have done all of this without three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.

Scherzer, who has been on the injured list due to right thumb inflammation since his season debut on March 29, has been working his way back to Toronto's rotation. On Tuesday, there was some unfortunate news on his rehab.

"Max Scherzer had some back tightness after his last bullpen session," Mitch Bannon of The Athletic wrote on X. "Didn’t end up throwing today in Toronto. Timeline has changed a bit, but #BlueJays hopeful he can throw again this week."

Max Scherzer had some back tightness after his last bullpen session. Didn’t end up throwing today in Toronto.

Timeline has changed a bit, but #BlueJays hopeful he can throw again this week

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) May 13, 2025

Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in February, bringing his extensive experience as an eight-time All-Star to bolster Toronto's rotation. His absence continues to test the team's pitching depth as they navigate the season.

The Blue Jays will host the Rays for three games at Rogers Centre. The series opener on Tuesday features starting pitchers José Berríos for Toronto and Shane Baz for Tampa Bay. This series presents an opportunity for the Blue Jays to build upon their recent successes and improve their standing in the division.

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