The Toronto Blue Jays' offseason acquisition of Max Scherzer comes with high hopes, yet the veteran hurler's thumb injury has limited him to just one outing this season. In that appearance, Scherzer allowed two runs over three innings in a 9-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. With a current team ERA of 4.35, the Blue Jays are eager for Scherzer's return, especially given the struggles of their back-end starters like Bowden Francis and Easton Lucas. Encouragingly, Scherzer is set to face live hitters soon, paving the way for his much-anticipated return.

In addition to Scherzer, the team's bullpen is also in transition with Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr on track to return. These developments could significantly bolster Toronto's pitching depth as they battle for positioning in the AL East, currently trailing the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.