The Toronto Blue Jays are counting on Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber to provide much-needed stability in their starting rotation as the season progresses. Scherzer, 41, is expected to return from the injured list in early to mid-June after a rehab assignment. Bieber, also on the IL, will begin a rehab assignment Monday and is projected to return in late June.
Scherzer landed on the 15-day injured list on April 18 with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. In five starts before the IL, he gave up just three earned runs in 12 innings across two outings, but struggled in three starts, failing to complete three innings in each. Despite the inconsistency, Scherzer threw 30 pitches in a recent bullpen session and could need three or four rehab starts before returning.
Toronto’s rotation has been hit hard by injuries and trades. Shane Bieber, who had a 3.57 ERA in 40 1/3 innings after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2024, has been sidelined with elbow inflammation since late March. Cody Ponce’s season ended with an ACL injury, and Eric Lauer was traded to the Dodgers. José Berríos underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss all of 2025.
Despite the turmoil, the Blue Jays’ rotation has a 3.86 ERA, ninth in the majors, with a 4.9 fWAR, sixth-best in baseball. Dylan Cease (2.0 fWAR) and Kevin Gausman (1.8 fWAR) rank among the top 10 in qualified starters. Trey Yesavage has been lights out since returning from injury, posting a 1.07 ERA in five starts without allowing a home run.
The Jays have turned to Rule 5 pick Spencer Miles and Patrick Corbin for depth. Miles has a 2.17 ERA in 14 appearances but has limited minor league experience and a history of injuries. Corbin, who has a 3.86 ERA in nine starts this season, has struggled with velocity and has seen a rise in hard contact and expected ERA.
Scherzer’s experience and track record make him a valuable depth option, while Bieber’s control and groundball rate suggest he could return stronger than ever. The Blue Jays are hoping both pitchers can contribute to a playoff push as the season continues.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring and selected the contract of prospect Tommy Troy. The move comes as the team looks to inject more offense into its lineup after Gurriel struggled through his worst season as a major lea
just now
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without guard Ajay Mitchell for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals after he was ruled out with a right calf strain. Mitchell’s injury occurred during the Thunder’s Game 3 win over the San Antonio Spurs. With Jalen Williams also sidelined due to a left hamstring
just now
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup roster has reportedly been finalized ahead of the official announcement, with 13 first-time call-ups set to make their mark on the biggest stage in soccer. According to The Guardian, the U.S. Soccer Federation will unveil the final 26-man squad on Tuesda
3 hours ago
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are reportedly close to a blockbuster trade that would send Morgan Rielly to Vancouver in exchange for Filip Hronek. The deal addresses immediate needs for both teams and aligns with hockey logic, salary cap flexibility, and personal considerations for R
3 hours ago