Scherzer Dominates in 2025 Spring Training

Max Scherzer, 40, delivered a vintage performance in just his third start of 2025 Spring Training. The right-hander struck out six different Tigers in 3 1/3 innings of one-hit scoreless pitching, leading the Blue Jays to a 5-0 victory at TD Ballpark. Scherzer's diverse arsenal of pitches—including two 94 mph four-seamers, two changeups, one slider, and one curve—kept the Tigers' hitters off balance. Toronto manager John Schneider removed Scherzer after 49 pitches (38 strikes), and All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. applauded the veteran, who has an impressive pitching line of nine innings, 14 strikeouts, zero walks, three hits, and two earned runs in his new uniform.
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Coming off a challenging 2024 season with the Rangers, where injuries limited him to a 2-4 record and a 3.95 ERA in 43 1/3 innings, Scherzer appears to be in top form. After undergoing back surgery for a herniated disk and dealing with a shoulder flareup and hamstring injury, Scherzer is grateful to be healthy again. "I’ve got a few years of … I know what it’s like to be healthy. I was able to pitch with every pitch, working with [catcher Alejandro] Kirk to kind of get to the right lanes. I got in my work," Scherzer said with a smile. With this strong start, Scherzer is poised to make a significant impact for the Blue Jays in the upcoming season.