The Toronto Blue Jays are counting on Max Scherzer to bring his signature energy and competitiveness to the mound in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle on Thursday night.
Expressing his excitement, Scherzer stated, “This is what you play for. You want to have the ball in this situation, you want to be pitching in the post-season.” The seasoned 41-year-old pitcher last appeared in a game during the regular season on September 24 against Boston. With a remarkable record of three Cy Young Awards, Scherzer is set to make his 26th postseason start and 31st overall appearance.
Both Scherzer and fellow right-hander Chris Bassitt rejoined Toronto’s ALCS roster after missing the Division Series against the Yankees. Bassitt showcased his talent by pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings during Monday night’s 10-3 loss to the Mariners, while expressing confidence in Scherzer’s ability to perform at a high level.
Despite facing some recent postseason struggles, Scherzer remains determined to excel. He acknowledged a dip in performance towards the end of the 2025 season and took time to address physical issues, including neck pain and right thumb inflammation that had previously sidelined him.
Signing a one-year contract worth $15.5 million US with Toronto earlier this year, Scherzer emphasized his commitment to delivering strong performances regardless of challenges. The Blue Jays, after a convincing 13-4 victory over the Mariners in Game 3, aim to secure wins in Seattle to keep their ALCS hopes alive.
Confident in his team’s abilities, Scherzer highlighted the Blue Jays’ resilience throughout the season and their readiness to face the pressure of must-win games. The team’s collective determination and past successes serve as a driving force as they strive to turn the series in their favor.
