Pitching Insights: Key Updates on Scherzer, Stroman, Imanaga, and Eovaldi

The Blue Jays are set to activate Max Scherzer from the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. He’ll start against the Guardians after two Triple-A rehab outings and a bullpen session where he threw 30-40 pitches. Scherzer has been working through a thumb issue that’s bothered him for over a year. “My stuff is fine. I’m just trying to manage my thumb and recover,” he told Sportsnet.

Scherzer joined the Jays this offseason with a one-year, $15.5 million contract. Unfortunately, he pitched only three innings in his debut before thumb soreness sidelined him on March 29. Now, there’s uncertainty about whether the issue might flare up again. It’s likely the Blue Jays will limit his pitch count to avoid stress on his thumb, a concern since he typically struggles after throwing 50 pitches. However, both of his rehab appearances saw him exceed that number, peaking at 74 pitches. To manage this, Toronto might consider using piggyback or long relief options while Scherzer finds his rhythm.

Several other pitchers are also nearing their return to the mound:

– Marcus Stroman is expected to throw his third minor league rehab start on Tuesday. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone mentioned that if all goes well, Stroman could soon be activated from the 60-day IL. He initially went to the IL in April due to knee inflammation and faced setbacks that delayed his return. With Ryan Yarbrough now on the 15-day IL, there’s a spot for Stroman in New York’s rotation.

– Shota Imanaga has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain since early May. After three minor league rehab starts, he’s set to return to the Cubs’ rotation this week. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the news, though he didn’t specify which game Imanaga would pitch in. Chicago is currently leading the NL Central, even without Imanaga and All-Star Justin Steele for most of the season. Imanaga has had a strong performance this year, boasting a 2.82 ERA in 44.2 innings across eight starts.

– Nathan Eovaldi hasn’t pitched since May 27 due to elbow inflammation but is ready to return without a rehab assignment. Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy indicated that Eovaldi will be activated to start in an upcoming series against the Mariners. He recently threw over 50 pitches in a live batting practice session, preparing him for the big leagues. Eovaldi has been a standout this season, with an impressive 1.56 ERA in his first 69.1 innings.

This landscape of returning pitchers highlights the ongoing challenges teams face as they navigate injuries. With players like Scherzer, Stroman, Imanaga, and Eovaldi back in play, fans and coaches alike will watch closely to see how these athletes handle their transitions back to competitive play.



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