Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer to Miss Thursday Start Due to Sore Thumb

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer will not make his scheduled spring training start on Thursday due to a sore thumb, manager John Schneider confirmed.

“It’s just a bit sore after his last outing,” Schneider said. “We’re being extra cautious and will go from there.”

Scherzer last took the mound on Saturday, delivering 3.1 scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers, allowing just one hit while striking out six with no walks. Over seven innings this spring, the 40-year-old has surrendered only two hits and recorded 10 strikeouts.

In 2024, Scherzer was limited to nine starts with the Texas Rangers due to a nerve issue affecting his thumb and triceps.

With Scherzer sidelined, left-hander Easton Lucas will take the mound for the Blue Jays on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles at TD Ballpark in Dunedin. Schneider said the team expects to have more information on Scherzer’s status in the coming days.

“We’re being careful with the old 40-year-old,” Schneider added.

Scherzer joined the Blue Jays on a one-year, $15.5 million contract in February. The future Hall of Famer has an illustrious 17-year career, boasting three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star appearances.