Max Scherzer Gets 2nd Injection in Thumb amid Injury Suffered in Blue Jays Debut

Toronto Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer received a second cortisone shot to address a thumb injury that he suffered in his season debut, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).

Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that Scherzer's injection was in a different part of his thumb than the first shot and he's expected to join the team in Houston "next week," via ESPN.

The veteran pitcher left his opening start of the 2025 season after just three innings due to the thumb issue.

Scherzer was initially ruled out due to right lat soreness, but he told reporters that thumb troubles caused his early exit and he was eventually placed on the 15-day injured list due to right thumb inflammation.

His prior cortisone injection occurred one day after his injured list placement.

Scherzer previously had a spring training start pushed back due to thumb soreness.

He was expected to operate as a key piece of Toronto's rotation when the team signed him to a one-year, $15.5 million contract in free agency.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner has remained a capable starting option when healthy, but injuries have limited him in recent years.

Scherzer spent the 2024 season with the Texas Rangers and made just nine starts, posting a 2-4 record to go along with a 3.95 ERA and 1.154 WHIP.

The 40-year-old looked sharp on the mound while gearing up for his 2025 campaign, though. In four spring training appearances, he allowed just five hits and two earned runs throughout 13 innings of work.

Toronto has been able to mitigate the absence of Scherzer so far, owning an 11-8 record. The Blue Jays' 3.17 ERA among starting pitchers also ranks No. 1 in the American League, via MLB.com.

As Scherzer looks to manage his injury and target a return to the mound, he received a second injection in his thumb.