Scherzer Ready to Take the Mound as Blue Jays Fight to Stay Alive
Veteran Pitcher Embraces High-Stakes Game
Seattle, Washington – The Toronto Blue Jays are anticipating a determined performance from Pitcher Max Scherzer as he prepares to start Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday evening. Scherzer expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I love it. This is what you play for.” He emphasized his desire to be on the mound in a pivotal postseason game.
The 41-year-old Right-hander has not seen game action since a regular-season start against Boston on September 24th. This upcoming start will mark Scherzer’s 26th postseason appearance and his 31st time taking the hill in the playoffs, cementing his status as a seasoned competitor.
Recent Roster Moves and Scherzer’s Recovery
Scherzer and fellow Right-handed Pitcher Chris Bassitt were recently added to the Blue Jays’ ALCS roster following their absence from the Division Series against the New York Yankees. Bassitt delivered a solid performance in relief during Monday’s 10-3 loss to the mariners, pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Bassitt expressed confidence in Scherzer’s ability to perform at a high level,stating,”I expect Max to be Max,in the aspect of just go out there and execute at a very,very high level.”
| Player | Recent Performance | Postseason Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Max Scherzer | 0-3 in last 8 postseason starts | 26 |
| Chris Bassitt | 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief (ALCS Game 3) | N/A |
addressing Recent Struggles and Physical Condition
Scherzer acknowledged a dip in his pitching form towards the end of the regular season, and he dedicated time to rehabilitation. Manager John Schneider revealed that neck discomfort affected Scherzer’s performance in late-season games. Earlier in the year, between March 29th and June 25th, Scherzer was sidelined due to inflammation in his Right thumb.
Despite these challenges, Scherzer remains resolute. “I don’t want to sit here and go backwards and blame injuries for any way I pitched,” Scherzer asserted.”When I take the mound,I take the mound,and I have the attitude (that) I’m going to win no matter what.”
Scherzer joined the Blue Jays in February, signing a $15.5 million, one-year contract. Throughout the 2025 season, he recorded a 5-5 record with a 5.19 ERA across 17 starts, his 18th year in Major League Baseball.
Blue Jays Determined to Bounce Back
The Blue Jays faced setbacks in the initial two games of the ALCS on their home field, though, they responded with a decisive Game 3 victory in Seattle on Wednesday night. Scherzer emphasized the team’s resilience, noting their consistent ability to overcome adversity throughout the year and secure numerous comeback wins.
“We’re a great team,” Scherzer stated on Wednesday. “I’ve seen it over and over throughout this year, the number of times we responded in so many different ways. We had so many comeback wins. We’ve played great ball. Yes, we lost two games. Yes, obviously these are must-win games. We all understand what’s at stake.”
The Importance of Veteran Leadership in Postseason Play
The presence of experienced players like Max Scherzer is often crucial during the high-pressure surroundings of the postseason. Their ability to remain composed and execute under duress can substantially impact a team’s chances of success. Veteran pitchers often serve as mentors to younger players, sharing their knowledge and experience. Studies indicate that teams with a strong core of veteran leadership are more likely to advance deep into the playoffs. MLB.com provides further insights on this topic.
frequently Asked Questions about Max Scherzer
- What is Max Scherzer’s current role with the blue Jays? He is a starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue jays and is slated to start Game 4 of the ALCS.
- Has Max Scherzer been injured recently? Yes,he experienced neck pain and right thumb inflammation earlier in the 2025 season.
- What is Max Scherzer’s postseason experience? He has 26 postseason starts and 31 appearances.
- What are the Blue Jays’ chances in the ALCS? After losing the first two games, the blue Jays won Game 3 and are determined to continue fighting.
- What did Scherzer say about his recent pitching performance? He acknowledged his performance wasn’t up to par at the end of the season but refused to make excuses.
