The Toronto Blue Jays have leaned heavily on Max Scherzer’s experience throughout this season and last, even when the veteran right-hander has been dealing with health issues or struggling to find his best form on the mound.
That value extends beyond what Scherzer can provide on the mound. With more than a decade of postseason experience, three Cy Young Awards and a place among baseball’s all-time strikeout leaders, Scherzer remains one of the most respected voices in the Blue Jays’ clubhouse. His competitive edge has never really disappeared, either, even if he isn’t still the frontline ace he once was.
“I never once lost belief in my ability, if I’m healthy, to be able to go out there and get outs, compete and try to win ballgames,” Scherzer recently told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Yeah, I’ve had little ailments pop up; OK, great, move on. No one feels sorry for you, so you’ve got to get back out here and start competing.”
That mentality was on full display on Friday, although Scherzer wasn’t the pitcher taking the mound. Instead, he found himself expressing the frustration felt by many Blue Jays in the dugout as New York Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler inexplicably delayed the start of the rivalry matchup.
Toronto Blue Jays Star Max Scherzer Sends Clear Message To New York Yankees’ Cam Schlittler
Schlittler was scheduled to start against Toronto at 7:05 p.m., but as the scheduled first pitch approached, he was out of sight. During the delay, television cameras captured the Blue Jays waiting and visibly frustrated by the delay, with Scherzer among the players reacting to what was happening.
The outspoken veteran made his feelings very clear with a three-word message directed at Schlittler
“Pitch clock violation!” Scherzer yelled from the dugout while tapping his wrist, as seen in a broadcast snippet shared by Sportsnet.
The moment provided an entertaining glimpse into Scherzer’s competitive personality, but it also likely expressed the frustration many Blue Jays players felt, even as manager John Schneider held back in his own comments.
“We got no explanation,” Schneider said after the game, according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. “I don’t know if he had to use the bathroom, or I don’t know. Not a big deal, you know what I mean? We were ready to go.”
Toronto Blue Jays Can Still Use Max Scherzer’s Edge
While Scherzer’s reaction may have been demonstrative, it fits the personality Toronto acquired when it brought the veteran aboard. His value isn’t limited to his statistics or the number of innings he can provide.
Scherzer has spent his career competing at the highest level, and that intensity remains part of what he brings to a Blue Jays team with postseason aspirations.
For Toronto, having a veteran willing to speak up from the dugout can be useful, particularly when younger players are navigating the pressure of a playoff race.