Blue Jays' Max Scherzer 'Encouraged' After 1st Start Off Injured List

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer made his first appearance on the mound in the major leagues in over six weeks on Wednesday, as he started in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The 41-year-old struggled in his return from the injured list, as he lasted just 3 1/3 innings, surrendering five earned runs on five hits, including a pair of home runs, with four strikeouts and three walks.

Scherzer had been on the injured list since April 27, as he has been dealing with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. At this advanced stage of his career, the veteran was sidelined until being activated by Toronto on Wednesday.

Scherzer's struggles against the Phillies dropped his record on the season to 1-4, as he now has a 10.23 ERA through his first six starts of the year. He's totaled 14 strikeouts and 11 walks over 22 innings pitched in those outings.

After the game, Scherzer spoke about his struggles on the mound and how he felt physically.

"From the results side, that's going to be frustrating," he said, according to The Athletic reporter Mitch Bannon. "But from the physical side, I'm actually very encouraged where I'm at."

Scherzer: "From the results side, that's going to be frustrating. But from the physical side, I'm actually very encouraged where I'm at."#BlueJays

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) June 11, 2026

While he has not had the results that Blue Jays fans were hoping for so far this season, the fact that Scherzer felt okay physically after the game is good news for them.

Should he feel fine in the coming days, Scherzer's next start will likely come on Wednesday in the second game of a three-game set on the road against the Boston Red Sox. First pitch from Fenway Park on Wednesday is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 8:18 PM.