As the Toronto Blue Jays navigate continued injury struggles, manager John Schneider provided updates on three key players who have been sidelined.
Right-hander Max Scherzer faced live hitters on Wednesday and is preparing for his first rehab start as his recovery from forearm tendinitis and ankle inflammation turns a corner.
Manager John Schneider told reporters on Wednesday that Scherzer was “feeling good” and the Blue Jays are looking to get him into a rehab game fairly quickly.
“I think (Scherzer) feeling good enough to get back to facing hitters, always a plus,” said Schneider. “I think after today, hoping to get him right into some rehab games and kind of go from there.”
The 41-year-old was placed on the injured list on April 27.
Scherzer struggled to start the season, posting a 9.64 ERA with 10 strikeouts and eight walks in 18.2 innings. He left an April 6 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after just two frames with forearm tendinitis.
Barger, who has been dealing with elbow inflammation, will likely resume throwing on Thursday, per the manager.
The 26-year-old has been in and out of the lineup all season with various injuries, missing one month with an ankle sprain prior to suffering the elbow injury.
On Kirk, Schneider said the goal is to get the 27-year-old hitting off a machine this weekend, with the Blue Jays looking to get him into rehab games in early June.
The Blue Jays announced Wednesday that Kirk had been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Kirk has been sidelined since early April after suffering a fractured thumb during a game against the Chicago White Sox, for which he underwent surgery. Rookie Brandon Valenzuela has taken over as starting catcher in his absence.
