Scherzer’s Return Boosts Mets; Lauer Shines Against D-backs

The Toronto Blue Jays might finally get veteran pitcher Max Scherzer back soon. He just finished up a rehab start in Triple-A, and honestly, it looked promising.

Scherzer’s been working to recover from a thumb injury. He threw 75 pitches in his latest outing—efficient stuff, and exactly what the Blue Jays hoped for as they try to shore up their rotation.

With his return possibly just days away, fans are buzzing. Everyone’s wondering what kind of impact he’ll have during this crucial stretch of the season.

Max Scherzer Impresses in Rehab Start

In Triple-A, Scherzer reminded everyone why he’s still got it. The 39-year-old righty hit his pitch count target, tossing 75 pitches and making it into the fifth inning.

His fastball averaged 92.5 mph and even touched 94.2 mph. For a guy at this point in his career, that’s honestly impressive.

Now, it’s just a waiting game to see how his thumb responds to the extra work. If things go smoothly, Scherzer could rejoin the Blue Jays and start against the Cleveland Guardians next Tuesday.

The Ripple Effect of Scherzer’s Return

Scherzer’s return could shake up Toronto’s rotation in the best way. His experience and leadership might take some pressure off the other starters.

Manager John Schneider would definitely welcome a more predictable bullpen routine. It’s been a season full of patchwork solutions, and Scherzer’s presence could finally bring some order.

He’s also got that reputation as a fierce competitor. You get the sense his leadership could matter just as much as his pitching, especially with the playoffs looming.

Eric Lauer: A Silver Lining in Scherzer’s Absence

While Scherzer’s been out, Eric Lauer has stepped up in a big way. The lefty’s posted a 2.29 ERA over 35 1/3 innings, which is honestly more than anyone expected.

Lauer’s been a steady hand when the team needed it most. He’s making a real case for staying in the rotation, even after Scherzer comes back.

Lauer’s Path to Success

Lauer’s journey hasn’t been easy. He struggled to find his groove in Triple-A last year, then went to Korea to work on his game and rebuild his confidence.

Since returning, he’s kept runs off the board and eaten innings—exactly what Toronto needed with Scherzer sidelined. That kind of reliability is tough to find.

Now the Blue Jays have a real choice to make. Do they keep Lauer in the rotation once Scherzer’s back? It’s the kind of problem teams actually want to have.

How Scherzer and Lauer Could Transform Toronto’s Rotation

With Scherzer almost ready and Lauer making his mark, Toronto suddenly has some real pitching depth. Scherzer could anchor the rotation, while Lauer might bounce between starting and key bullpen roles, depending on what the team needs.

Manager John Schneider’s managed the chaos so far, but having a set rotation should help take the load off the bullpen. Scherzer’s leadership could also make a difference as the Blue Jays fight through a tough American League playoff race.

What’s Next for the Blue Jays?

The next few days could decide when Scherzer returns. If his thumb holds up after this recent increase in workload, he’ll get the ball against Cleveland.

That would be the first step in what Toronto fans hope turns into a strong finish. Lauer’s rise might give the Blue Jays the one-two punch they’ve missed against some of the American League’s tougher lineups.

Scherzer’s comeback feels close, and Lauer’s pitching has added some much-needed depth. The team’s entering the heart of summer now, and honestly, everyone’s watching to see if these two can really change the season’s direction.

 
Here is the source article for this story: With Scherzer nearing return, Lauer delivers valiant effort vs. D-backs