Max Scherzer made a highly-anticipated return to the mound after a three-month hiatus, pitching five innings against the Guardians in a game that ended in a 5-4 loss for the Blue Jays. Scherzer allowed three runs on six hits, striking out four batters, including three in the first inning. Despite not earning a win, his performance was a positive sign following a series of injuries that had sidelined him since March.

The veteran right-hander's outing was marked by a mix of promising moments and struggles, including a hiccup in the fourth inning where a pair of runs scored off a double from Gabriel Arias. He faced challenges, including a wild pitch and a warning from the umpire, but ultimately showcased his resilience as he logged 83 pitches. The game featured missed opportunities for the Blue Jays, who went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Nathan Lukes has returned to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup after a brief stint on the injured list due to a concussion. He was crucially integrated into the batting order against the Chicago White Sox, hitting seventh in left field. Before his injury, Lukes was performing well with a .267 batting average, four home runs, and 21 RBIs.

The Blue Jays also reinstated pitcher Nick Sandlin from the 15-day injured list, while optioning Justin Bruihl and Will Robertson to triple-A Buffalo. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer is on track to start against the Cleveland Guardians next week following a successful bullpen session. Other injury updates include Daulton Varsho, who is expected to return to games soon, while Yimi Garcia is scheduled to pitch in a single-A game, and Bowden Francis continues his recovery after a cortisone injection.

In an encouraging turn for the Toronto Blue Jays, pitchers Max Scherzer and Nick Sandlin participated in bullpen sessions as the team looks to recover from injuries. Scherzer, who has dealt with right thumb inflammation, and Sandlin, recovering from a lat strain, are making strides in their rehabilitation. Additionally, second baseman Andres Gimenez has resumed running and baseball activities following a quadriceps strain.

Relievers Ryan Burr and Erik Swanson are also on the mend, with plans to throw for one of Toronto's minor league affiliates, conditional on weather. Burr is battling right shoulder inflammation, while Swanson has faced median nerve entrapment since the spring. Kevin Gausman is slated to start against the San Diego Padres, despite enduring a comebacker incident in a recent 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, with save opportunities becoming a focal point early in the year. Currently, 50% of wins have resulted in saves, mirroring the previous year's statistics. However, teams like the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are still in search of their first saves this late in the season, trailing behind the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, each boasting eight saves. A total of 122 saves have been recorded by 58 different pitchers, suggesting a diverse competition for closing roles across the league.

Notable pitchers like Luke Jackson and Emilio Pagan have emerged unexpectedly high on the saves leaderboard, while established closers like Jhoan Duran and Mike Clevinger have struggled to find their footing. The Game Leverage Index (gmLI) stats indicate potential closer candidates in Ryan Johnson and Nick Sandlin, while the performance of known names, such as Devin Williams and Emmanuel Clase, raises questions about their future reliability. As the season progresses, the landscape of saves could shift dramatically, influencing fantasy strategies.

The Toronto Blue Jays made headlines with their acquisition of Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, but the inclusion of right-hander Nick Sandlin in this trade could prove equally impactful. Sandlin, an underrated addition to the bullpen, posted an 8-0 record and a 3.75 ERA last season, showcasing his potential as a reliable middle-inning option. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Sandlin's unique sidearm delivery and splitter, which could provide a valuable change of pace for opposing hitters. As Toronto aims to improve upon last season's struggles in the bullpen, Sandlin's versatility and low-maintenance approach could be key to their success.

With Gimenez's Gold Glove defense complementing a returning Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays are strengthening both their infield and pitching depth. Sandlin's experience with the Guardians will be an asset as he adjusts to his new team, and he is eager to contribute to a bullpen that aims to rebound from last year's performance.