Scherzer is having issues with his thumb, which could force him to have an early-season injured list stint. If that's the case, then Yariel Rodriguez or Jake Bloss could make a cameo in the starting rotation.

Scherzer signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Toronto on Jan. 30 after two seasons with the Texas Rangers. The eight-time All-Star won the 2023 World Series with them after going 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA in eight regular-season starts. The New York Mets traded him to Texas midseason for shortstop Luisangel Acuna.

The Toronto Blue Jays could be in trouble if Max Scherzer isn’t available for the first few weeks of the regular season. And now, with his latest admission about his thumb issue, things could look even more concerning.