USA Today via Reuters
Oct 18, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of game three of the ALCS against the Houston Astros in the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 18, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of game three of the ALCS against the Houston Astros in the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Bad news keeps piling up for the Toronto Blue Jays. As if they didn’t have enough on their plate already, now they’re facing an even bigger problem. Their veteran pitcher, Max Scherzer, has revealed a thumb injury—just days before the MLB Opening Day. Talk about bad timing!
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On Saturday, the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Minnesota Twins, playing nine innings. But what happened was that Byron Buxton of the Twins battled him for seven consecutive foul balls. The Blue Jays managed to win against the Twins by 2-1, and Scherzer struck out four out of four shutout innings, allowing two singles and a walk. So, what’s the issue here?
Well, his fastballs were around 91 to 94 mph, which was not enough, although respectable. He was the one to make 10.7 strikeouts every nine innings, which was the best in MLB history for a player who played at least 2000 innings. But the main problem is that he has an injury on his thumb, as he confessed, “I’m not gonna lie, it’s frustrating. Because I know I can pitch at this level. I know I can still pitch at a very high level as well. I know I have the pitches that I can execute and that I can locate. But right now, it’s a thumb issue, and I’m gonna be battling until I’m fully built up.”
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Scherzer even mentioned that it has taken a toll on his mental side too, as there had been a big difference while facing the hitters in minor and major leagues.
Scherzer admitted that whenever he is playing, he feels fine, as the tendinitis gets heated up. He doesn’t feel it, and he can pitch as usual; however, he is still concerned about how he can recover, as the thumb injury can catch up on him anytime.
Max Scherzer is 41 years old now, and the problems may escalate further if not taken care of. As for a pitcher, the thumb plays a crucial role while pitching, so the pain can radiate to the elbow and shoulder area too, making it more difficult. While he confirmed that it’s not arthritis, there’s a worrying sign for someone like him who wants to win the World Series.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have reportedly signed an extension for one of their players, and it’s not Vladimir Guerrero Jr. So who is it?
The Toronto Blue Jays make an extension of their All-Star
It seems like the Toronto Blue Jays have decided to look beyond Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While there’s been no news of extending his contract, the Blue Jays have reportedly signed Alejandro Kirk for a five-year extension right before Opening Day. On Saturday, they reached an agreement with the right-hander for a $58 million contract. The 26-year-old catcher had a good 2024 season with a .253 average, 319 OBP, and 340 AB. But that’s not all!
Although he is quite short in height, Kirk is dynamite, as his catching metrics are impressive. Not only that, Kirk finished in the 97th percentile last season, stealing above average, and in the 93rd percentile in framing. He has even made 180 strikeouts across the 434 games he played. While the fans weren’t very excited to see the Blue Jays getting him for an extension, Alejandro Kirk is still a good bet for the Blue Jays.
Do you think the Blue Jays made a good decision extending his contract? Let us know.
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Edited by
Sreeda U M