Toronto Blue Jays Face Major Setback as Max Scherzer Reveals Thumb Injury Before Opening Day
The Toronto Blue Jays are dealing with yet another challenge as they approach the 2025 MLB Opening Day. Just when they thought they had enough on their plate, veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has revealed a thumb injury, adding to their concerns. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Blue Jays prepare for the start of the season with high expectations.
Scherzer’s Performance Against the Twins and the Hidden Struggles
On Saturday, the Blue Jays played a nine-inning game against the Minnesota Twins, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. During the matchup, Scherzer struck out four batters across four shutout innings, allowing just two singles and a walk. However, an extended battle against Byron Buxton, in which the Twins’ slugger fouled off seven consecutive pitches, hinted that something wasn’t quite right with Scherzer.
His fastball speeds ranged between 91 to 94 mph, which, while respectable, were noticeably lower than what he has been known for throughout his career. Despite being one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history—averaging **10.7 strikeouts per nine innings over his career (the best for any pitcher with at least 2,000 innings)—his recent outing raised concerns about his current form.
The real issue, however, is his thumb injury, which he admitted is frustrating. Speaking about the challenge, Scherzer stated, “I’m not gonna lie, it’s frustrating. Because I know I can pitch at this level. I know I can still pitch at a very high level as well. I know I have the pitches that I can execute and that I can locate. But right now, it’s a thumb issue, and I’m gonna be battling until I’m fully built up.”
The Mental Toll of the Injury
Beyond the physical struggles, Scherzer admitted that the injury has affected him mentally. He noted a significant difference between facing minor-league hitters during his rehab outings and now returning to the major leagues, where the competition is far tougher.
Despite the injury, Scherzer explained that while he is actively pitching, the tendinitis warms up, making it less painful in the moment. However, he remains concerned about how well his thumb will recover between outings, knowing that discomfort could return at any time.
A Growing Concern for a 41-Year-Old Pitcher
At 41 years old, Scherzer is at a stage in his career where injuries can escalate quickly if not properly managed. For a pitcher, the thumb plays a crucial role in grip, control, and overall effectiveness, so any persistent issue could lead to further complications. If left unchecked, the pain could spread to his elbow and shoulder, making it even harder for him to maintain his performance throughout the season.
While Scherzer has ruled out arthritis as the cause of his discomfort, his situation remains concerning—especially for a player determined to chase another World Series title before retiring.
Blue Jays Extend Alejandro Kirk’s Contract Over Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
While Scherzer’s injury has raised concerns, the Blue Jays have been making other moves behind the scenes. In a surprising decision, the team has reportedly extended the contract of catcher Alejandro Kirk instead of prioritizing a deal for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Just before Opening Day, the Blue Jays and Kirk agreed to a five-year, $58 million extension. The 26-year-old catcher had a solid 2024 season, posting a .253 batting average, a .319 OBP, and 340 at-bats.
Why Did the Blue Jays Choose Kirk?
Despite his short stature, Kirk has proven to be a valuable asset behind the plate. His catching metrics have been exceptional, finishing in the 97th percentile for stealing runs above average and in the 93rd percentile for pitch framing last season. Additionally, he has recorded 180 strikeouts across 434 games, proving to be an effective defensive presence.
Although some fans were not thrilled with the decision to extend Kirk, he remains a solid investment for the Blue Jays, given his skills behind the plate and ability to handle the pitching staff.
Did the Blue Jays Make the Right Move?
The decision to extend Kirk over Guerrero Jr. has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Guerrero Jr. remains one of the team’s most popular and talented players, yet his long-term future with Toronto remains uncertain.
While Kirk’s extension provides stability at the catcher position, questions remain about whether the Blue Jays should have prioritized locking up Guerrero Jr. instead.
Looking Ahead for Toronto
As Opening Day approaches, the Blue Jays must navigate both Scherzer’s injury concerns and the long-term direction of their roster. If Scherzer is unable to perform at his best due to his thumb issue, it could create a major setback for the team’s pitching rotation.
At the same time, the decision to extend Kirk over Guerrero Jr. will likely be scrutinized throughout the season, especially if Guerrero’s contract situation remains unresolved.
Ultimately, Toronto’s success in 2025 may hinge on how well they manage Scherzer’s injury, maintain their pitching depth, and solidify their offensive core—all while keeping an eye on the future of their franchise players.