The Toronto Blue Jays’ most experienced, decorated starting pitcher is back for another shot at his second World Series ring.
On Tuesday, three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer spoke publicly for the first time since re-signing with the Blue Jays on a one-year contract. After an uneven season that ended with a stellar performance in Game 7 of the World Series last November, Scherzer wasn’t mincing words about the challenge of pitching for a contender at age 41.
“I’m ready,” Scherzer said, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
Scherzer wasn’t even a lock to make the Blue Jays’ postseason roster after a horrific September ballooned his regular-season ERA to 5.19 in 17 starts. But after some injuries thrust him into the spotlight, the 18-year veteran gutted through 14 1/3 strong innings in the playoffs, including a vintage performance against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series.
It’s hard to pin down what to expect from Scherzer, who turns 42 in July and has pitched under 100 innings in back-to-back seasons. But whatever his role may be, the future Hall of Famer is ready to do whatever it takes to help Toronto erase its championship disappointment.
“I’m just focusing on myself, making sure I’m healthy and that I can go out and pitch the way I can,” Scherzer said per Matheson. “If I can go out there and be myself and who I can be — there’s times we saw it last year — then I can definitely help the ball club win.
“That’s why they called. They wanted to see where I was at, I told them I feel good and that I’m ready to go. That’s why we got a deal done.”
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