Max Scherzer dominated the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon in Clearwater, Florida, pitching four no-hit innings during his first spring training start with the Toronto Blue Jays. The 41-year-old ace helped secure a 1-0 Blue Jays victory, throwing just 40 pitches while striking out one batter and issuing one walk. This strong performance was a crucial early sign of health and effectiveness for Scherzer as he works to rebound after a challenging 2023 season.
After signing a $3 million contract in February, with the potential to earn up to $10 million in performance bonuses, Scherzer looked sharp and focused, overcoming the thumb issues that resulted in a 5.19 ERA last year. His outing provided encouragement for Toronto’s rotation, as the veteran right-hander showed signs of regaining his usual dominance.
“It doesn’t hurt my arm. My thumb is fine. I can manage this, it allows my thumb to be normal and I can pitch normal,”
Max Scherzer, pitcher
Velocity Gains Signal a Return to Form
The key highlight of Scherzer’s performance was his fastball velocity, which reached speeds between 94 and 96 mph during the first inning and averaged 93.9 mph throughout the outing. This marked a meaningful improvement from the 92.5 mph average he recorded in spring training last year. Maintaining this velocity over four innings is especially promising, reflecting both physical health and effective preparation.
“It’s a tick up,”
Scherzer explained.
“Once you get into game situations and it’s hot – a nice 85-degree day today – my arm felt good and everything felt good. The velo ticks up again.”
Max Scherzer, pitcher
Blue Jays manager John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker were both impressed by Scherzer’s control and overall performance. Schneider remarked on the pitcher’s progress after a side session, highlighting improvements in velocity and command compared to the previous year.
“After his first side session, Pete and I were pleasantly surprised with his locations, velo, and the shape of his breaking ball,”
John Schneider, Blue Jays manager
“It’s ahead of where it was last year, for sure, at this time.”
John Schneider, Blue Jays manager
Pressure Builds as Blue Jays Aim for a Championship
Scherzer’s strong start carries significant implications for the Blue Jays, a franchise eager to contend seriously for the World Series. The team is competing in one of baseball’s toughest divisions, the American League East, where even small margins can determine success or failure. With no tolerance for underperformance, Scherzer’s rebound is critical for Toronto’s hopes this season.
Last season, Scherzer’s thumb trouble contributed to a disappointing campaign, compounded by struggles in the rotation from players like Bowden Francis, who recorded a 6.05 ERA. The Blue Jays effectively relied on one too many ineffective rotation spots, making Scherzer’s return to form all the more vital.
Despite last season’s challenges, Scherzer demonstrated flashes of brilliance in the 2025 postseason. His notable outing in Game 7 of the World Series included 4⅓ innings with just one run allowed, underscoring his ability to perform on the biggest stage even while dealing with physical setbacks. Though the bullpen failed to secure the win in a 5-4 loss to the Dodgers, Scherzer’s effort remained a bright spot.
For the upcoming season, Scherzer is expected to be part of a six-man rotation, starting with Shane Bieber on the injured list due to forearm fatigue. Scherzer’s career numbers are impressive, standing 11th all-time with 3,489 strikeouts, trailing only 20 behind Hall of Famer Walter Johnson. Even at 41, he remains a formidable presence on the mound, relying on experience and tenacity as much as pure physical talent.
Scherzer understands he can no longer depend solely on velocity or stuff; however, his competitive spirit and deep knowledge of pitching still make him a dangerous opponent when fully healthy. His Saturday performance suggested that the thumb problems are behind him and a return to his normal self is underway.
“If you’re Max Scherzer, ‘normal’ still looks really, really good,”
Max Scherzer, pitcher
Toronto’s fanbase and management are counting on this version of Max Scherzer to help lead the Blue Jays to their first World Series championship since 1993, and this early display of dominance has raised hopes that such a goal is achievable this year.
