Blue Jays’ Scherzer has MRI on thumb, nothing serious found

A bit of relief is in the air for the Toronto Blue Jays and one of their marquee free agent additions.

Manager John Schneider told reporters ahead of Thursday’s spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles that right-hander Max Scherzer had an MRI on a sore right thumb, but that nothing serious was found and there was no major concerns at this time.

“The MRI showed that it was nothing, really. Little bit of inflammation,” Schneider said. “He’s definitely dealt with this in year’s past but I don’t think it’s related to what he had going on (in 2024).

“He’s definitely bummed, but he’s managed this before and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure he’s continuing to manage it.”

Scherzer was limited to just nine starts with the Texas Rangers last season after suffering a nerve issue that went from his thumb to his tricep.

Schneider also said that if all goes well, Scherzer should be able to pick up where he left off in his next start and then plan is to get him on the mound again shortly.

Scherzer last pitched on Saturday when he allowed just one hit over 3.1 scoreless frames against the Detroit Tigers. The 40-year-old struck out six and issued no walks while tossing 49 pitches in the outing. Over seven frames this spring, the right-hander has allowed just two hits and compiled 10 strikeouts

Easton Lucas will take to the mound instead on Thursday.

Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5-million deal with the Blue Jays in February. The future Hall of Famer has collected three Cy Young awards and eight all-star appearances over his 17-year career.

— With files from Sportsnet’s David Singh