Wed May 14 15:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:

**Scherzer Takes Major Step in Recovery, Blue Jays Rotation Still Ailing**

ANAHEIM, CA – Toronto Blue Jays fans received a dose of optimism Tuesday as veteran pitcher Max Scherzer took a significant step toward his return to the mound. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, sidelined since March 29 with right thumb inflammation, faced live batters at Angel Stadium.

Manager John Schneider was enthusiastic about Scherzer’s performance, saying it was “really good.” Scherzer reportedly threw 20 pitches after a bullpen session, showing promising stuff with no lingering tightness.

“I thought standing back there, his stuff was really good. … So that’s a really good step in the right direction,” Schneider said.

The plan is for Scherzer to face live batters again this weekend in Seattle, increasing his pitch count. The team will then evaluate his progress and determine the next steps. Scherzer’s return can’t come soon enough for the Blue Jays, who have struggled with rotation depth in his absence. Their starting pitchers entered Tuesday’s series against the Angels with the fifth-worst ERA in the Majors (4.49).

Toronto recently signed José Ureña and Spencer Turnbull to bolster their pitching staff. Ureña made his Blue Jays debut Tuesday night, allowing two runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings. Turnbull will require extended spring training.

Scherzer has been plagued by injuries since 2022, including multiple stints on the IL, several due to lingering thumb soreness. The earliest Scherzer can return from the 60-day injured list is May 29, but the Blue Jays are proceeding cautiously.

“[We’ll] see how he is tomorrow,” Schneider said about Scherzer. “And probably do that again on this road trip sometime in the weekend, but with more pitches.”

The Blue Jays will be closely monitoring Scherzer’s condition as they hope to get their ace back and stabilize their struggling rotation.

Read More