Max Scherzer to start for Blue Jays on his 42nd birthday vs Nationals

Max Scherzer Toronto Blue Jays Washington Nationals 42nd birthday injured list return

Veteran right‑hander Max Scherzer will return to the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation on Monday, his 42nd birthday, to face his former club, the Washington Nationals. Manager John Schneider said Scherzer is being activated from the injured list after a month‑long stint on the 15‑day IL for back spasms and three cortisone injections in his thumb. Schneider added the workload may be limited, noting “maybe a little bit limited in pitch count, but I think he kind of checked all the boxes.”

Scherzer completed a five‑inning, hitless rehab start with Triple‑A Buffalo, striking out seven batters. He enters the start with a 1‑4 record and a 10.23 ERA over six outings for the Blue Jays, who have lost seven of their last ten games since the All‑Star break. The pitcher previously won two Cy Young Awards and helped Washington capture the 2019 World Series. His career totals stand at 222‑121 with a 3.27 ERA, and he recorded his 3,500th strikeout earlier this season.

Entities: John Schneider · Max Scherzer · Toronto Blue Jays · Triple‑A Buffalo · Washington Nationals

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 15 SOURCES] Max Scherzer will start for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday against the Washington Nationals. (Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced the start.)
[● 3 SOURCES] John Schneider said Scherzer’s workload may be limited, stating “maybe a little bit limited in pitch count, but I think he kind of checked all the boxes.” (Direct quote from the Blue Jays manager.)
[● 2 SOURCES] The start coincides with Scherzer's 42nd birthday. (Multiple reports note the birthday alignment.)
[● 3 SOURCES] Scherzer spent the previous month on the 15‑day injured list for back spasms and received three cortisone injections in his right thumb. (Team medical updates reported by field reporters.)
[● 2 SOURCES] Scherzer's career record is 222‑121 with a 3.27 ERA over 19 seasons. (Career statistics cited in multiple articles.)
[● 2 SOURCES] He completed a five‑inning, hitless rehab start in Triple‑A Buffalo, striking out seven batters. (Rehab game summary from Triple‑A Buffalo.)
[● 2 SOURCES] His statistics with Toronto at the time are 1‑4 with a 10.23 ERA over six starts. (Team statistics provided by the manager.)
[● 2 SOURCES] He reached the 3,500th career strikeout earlier in the 2026 season. (Season milestone noted in game recaps.)