Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Max Scherzer, 41-year-old veteran right-hander for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been dealing with significant injury issues in 2026. Placed on the 15-day IL on April 27 with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, Scherzer has struggled to return to form. He is 1-3 with a 9.24 ERA in five starts. As of mid-May, he received a second cortisone shot (in his right thumb) after having one in his forearm the previous week. Manager John Schneider indicated the thumb issue persists rather than flares up. Scherzer was progressing through bullpen sessions and could face batters, but remains sidelined and has not been activated from the IL.
Strengths
- + Veteran pitcher with World Series experience (Game 7 in 2025)
- + Re-signed with Blue Jays on $3M contract showing team confidence
- + Progressing through rehabilitation (bullpen sessions, potential batting practice)
- + Manager indicates potential path forward with additional throwing sessions
Weaknesses
- - Multiple injury issues: right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation, right thumb soreness
- - Poor performance metrics: 1-3 record with 9.24 ERA in 5 starts
- - Chronic injury history: thumb issues kept him out much of 2025 season
- - Age factor: 41 years old with recurring soft tissue injuries
- - Requiring multiple cortisone shots in short timeframe suggests persistent inflammation
- - Extended IL stay beyond initial 15-day minimum
- - Decreased velocity and control issues during rehabilitation
Injury Status: IL-15
About
John Schreiber is a rp for the Kansas City Royals.
Player Overview
RP
Kansas City Royals