Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Max Scherzer, 41-year-old veteran pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been on the 15-day injured list since April 27 with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. Despite receiving multiple cortisone shots (forearm and right thumb), Scherzer remains sidelined and frustrated. He has expressed confusion about his injury, noting that his MRI shows no structural damage despite persistent symptoms. The pitcher is 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA in 5 starts this season and has failed to get through the third inning in three of those starts. He is seeking additional medical opinions to determine a course of action. The left ankle inflammation has improved, but the forearm issue remains unresolved with no firm timetable for return.
Strengths
- + Left ankle inflammation has improved significantly
- + Clean MRI results show no structural damage
- + Veteran pitcher with Hall of Fame credentials
- + Throwing bullpen sessions and progressing through rehab
- + Manager indicates potential for facing batters this week
Weaknesses
- - Persistent right forearm tendinitis despite treatment
- - Multiple cortisone shots required (forearm and thumb)
- - Poor performance metrics: 1-3 record with 9.64 ERA
- - Failed to complete third inning in 3 of 5 starts
- - Confusion and frustration about injury diagnosis
- - Age-related durability concerns at 41 years old
- - Thumb issue previously caused extended absence in 2025
- - No firm timetable for return to competition
- - Seeking additional medical opinions indicates uncertainty
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Matt Scheffler is a catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
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Chicago Cubs