Blue Jays Ace Scherzer Shines in Spring Training

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The Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with key starters Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and José Berríos all set to begin the season on the injured list. However, 41-year-old ace Max Scherzer has stepped up this spring, tossing five shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins in his most recent outing and not allowing a single run across 13 2/3 innings pitched in three starts. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner will be counted on to anchor the Blue Jays' staff as they look to return to the World Series.

Why it matters

With several of their top starters sidelined, the Blue Jays will need Scherzer to recapture his dominant form from last year's playoffs in order to keep the team competitive in the tough AL East division. Scherzer's performance this spring suggests he may be up to the task, providing a much-needed boost to the injury-plagued Toronto rotation.

The details

In his most recent spring training appearance on Friday, Scherzer tossed five shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out five batters. The veteran right-hander has been dominant this spring, not allowing a single run across 13 2/3 innings pitched in three starts. Though Scherzer may not be the same dominant ace he was in his prime, he has the potential to be an extremely impactful pitcher for the Blue Jays this season, especially with the injuries to the starting rotation.

• Scherzer tossed five shutout innings against the Twins on Friday, March 21, 2026.
• Scherzer has not allowed a run in 13 2/3 innings pitched across three spring training starts.