Toronto Blue Jays veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is set to make a rehabilitation start with the Vancouver Canadians on Friday afternoon at Nat Bailey Stadium, according to Sportsnet columnist Shi Davidi. The 41-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since June 10 with a back/side injury.
Rehab Assignment Details
Scherzer told Davidi he will pitch for the high-A Vancouver affiliate, the second rung on the Blue Jays' full-season farm club ladder. The start is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT against the Eugene Emeralds, the San Francisco Giants' farm team. After the outing, Scherzer plans to rejoin the Blue Jays in Seattle on Saturday, where Toronto faces the Mariners this weekend.
Vancouver Canadians brass said Wednesday they have not yet received official confirmation from the Blue Jays. A team spokesperson noted that the stadium is "largely sold out" for the week, with tickets still available through the team website. Friday's game is a traditional "Nooner at the Nat."
Unusual Assignment but Logistical Fit
It would be unusual for Toronto to send a player on injury rehab to Vancouver, as the city is not typically used for such assignments. However, the Blue Jays' other farm teams are all based in the eastern United States, making Vancouver a convenient stop during the club's West Coast road trip. Scherzer is expected to throw a side session on Sunday and determine next steps after that, according to Davidi.
Scherzer's 2026 Season and Injury
The three-time Cy Young Award winner has made six starts for Toronto this season, posting a 10.23 earned run average. His last appearance was on June 10, when he pitched 3 1/3 innings in a 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. That outing was his first since April 24, as he had been on the injured list with a back/side issue. Scherzer is expected to require multiple rehab starts before returning to the Blue Jays' rotation.
"Max Scherzer said he's travelling with Blue Jays out west and will make a rehab start Friday with Vancouver. He'll rejoin the team in Seattle on Saturday, throw his side Sunday and determine next steps from there," Davidi reported on social media.
Vancouver Canadians and Blue Jays Affiliation
Vancouver is Toronto's high-A affiliate, the second of four levels in the Blue Jays' full-season minor league system. The Canadians are in the midst of a six-game series against the Eugene Emeralds. The potential appearance by Scherzer has generated significant interest, with the team reporting strong ticket sales for the week.
