Scherzer to Start Game 4 of ALCS for Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays are turning to a familiar, battle-worn arm in hopes of saving their playoff chances. Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer will start Game 4 in the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.

At 41, Scherzer brings three Cy Young Awards and more than two decades of experience. The Jays hope his leadership and resilience can ignite a turnaround as they stare down a tough 2-0 series deficit.

Toronto Banking on Experience in a Must-Win Game

For the Blue Jays, Game 4 isn’t just another playoff contest. Their season could hang in the balance right here.

Seattle holds a commanding lead in the ALCS. Toronto’s rolling the dice by putting the ball in Scherzer’s hands, banking on his impressive but recently shaky postseason resume.

Scherzer’s Postseason Legacy and Recent Challenges

Scherzer’s October track record is elite. This will be his 26th postseason start and 31st overall playoff appearance, which puts him among the most experienced playoff pitchers ever.

The Jays need him to snap a rough streak. He’s gone 0-3 over his last eight postseason starts, a slump that stretches back to the 2019 World Series opener.

His regular season finish in 2025 didn’t do much to calm nerves. Over his last six appearances, Scherzer posted a 9.00 ERA and a 1-3 record. People started to wonder—was age catching up to him?

Manager John Schneider tried to ease those worries, saying Scherzer’s struggles mostly came from neck pain. Apparently, he’s feeling a lot better now.

The Manager’s Confidence in the Veteran Arm

Schneider’s not budging—Scherzer stays in his usual starting role. For a pitcher like him, routine matters.

Changing his rhythm could backfire. It’s a gamble, sure, but one they’re willing to take.

Mentorship and Leadership Value

Scherzer brings more than just his arm. He’s an eight-time All-Star with a reputation for fierce competitiveness and obsessive preparation.

Schneider’s hoping those intangibles will show up when it matters most. Maybe that’s the spark this team needs.

Season Recap for Scherzer

The 2025 season didn’t go smoothly for Scherzer. He signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract and was supposed to anchor Toronto’s rotation.

Instead, thumb inflammation sidelined him for almost three months. He managed just 17 starts.

Season Stats Breakdown

When he did pitch, the results were all over the place:

• Record: 5-5
• ERA: 5.19
• Starts: 17
• Missed time: Nearly three months due to right thumb inflammation

Those numbers don’t exactly inspire confidence, but maybe there’s still some magic left in his arm.

What’s at Stake in Game 4

Down 2-0 against Seattle, the Blue Jays desperately need to shift the momentum. Scherzer’s start isn’t just about him—it’s about keeping the team’s championship hopes alive.

A win could pull Toronto back into the fight. A loss? That could be the end of the road.

Can Scherzer Deliver?

The burning question on every fan’s mind? Can Scherzer summon one more epic postseason performance. His track record says he’s capable, though recent history makes you hesitate.

The Mariners will almost certainly test him early. If Scherzer adjusts and settles in, Game 4 could swing Toronto’s way—or it might mark the beginning of the end for their season.

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