Max Scherzer is getting the ball again, and the timing makes this one of the more significant starts of his season.
The Toronto Blue Jays announced Scherzer will start tomorrow in Washington, coming off a strong Triple-A rehab outing and arriving just ahead of the trade deadline.
Toronto's injury designation currently lists him as expected to be out until at least July 27, a timeline that lines up almost perfectly with this start.
Scherzer has pitched just six games this season, posting a rough 10.23 ERA across 22 innings, numbers that reflect a year defined far more by injury than performance.
This start against Washington carries extra weight given his history there. Scherzer spent years pitching for the Nationals before his career took him elsewhere, making a return to that mound a genuinely emotional moment regardless of what the results end up being.
Spencer Miles shifts to the bullpen for now to make room, a swing role he's handled well all season, posting a 3.33 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 67.2 innings.
That flexibility from Miles gives Toronto real options as it continues managing a pitching staff that's dealt with instability nearly all year.
Why this start matters beyond just one outing
A strong showing from Scherzer could shift how rival teams view him ahead of the deadline, especially given the no-trade clause that puts any decision about his future entirely in his own hands.
He's stayed publicly guarded about his deadline situation for weeks, focusing only on getting back to game shape rather than speculating about where he might pitch next.
It's a bit like an actor stepping back on stage after a long injury layoff, the moment carrying weight well beyond the actual performance itself.
Does a strong start in Washington change the calculus on Scherzer's trade value, or is his age and recent workload always going to limit how much teams are willing to give up for him?
Toronto continues its stretch before the deadline with real stakes attached to nearly every roster decision, and tomorrow's start adds one more storyline to follow closely.
Miles will be ready in relief if needed, giving Schneider some insurance as Scherzer works his way back into game shape at the big league level.
Are you excited to see Max Scherzer start for the Blue Jays in Washington tomorrow?
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