Blue Jays Set for Major Boost as Three Key Players Near Return

Summary: 

• The Toronto Blue Jays could welcome back three key players.
• Dylan Cease is scheduled to start on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. 
• Max Scherzer is expected to return on Wednesday, while Alejandro Kirk is nearing a comeback from a fractured thumb.

The Toronto Blue Jays who recently signed Simeon Woods Richardson could receive a major boost in the coming days as three important players appear close to returning from injury.

The Comebacks That Toronto Needs

According to MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson, starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer, along with catcher Alejandro Kirk, are all nearing comebacks that could strengthen Toronto’s roster during a crucial stretch of the MLB season.

The first reinforcement could arrive as soon as Tuesday, June 9, when Cease is expected to start against the Philadelphia Phillies after completing a successful rehabilitation outing with Triple-A Buffalo earlier this week. 

The right-hander threw 75 pitches across four innings in his lone rehab appearance.

Cease has been sidelined since May 25 with a left hamstring strain suffered during a start against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Prior to his injury, the 30-year-old was enjoying an outstanding first season in Toronto after signing a seven-year, $210 million contract during the offseason, the largest free-agent deal in franchise history.

Through 12 starts, Cease posted a 3.05 ERA while recording 92 strikeouts in 62 innings, a total that led the American League at the time of his injury.

Another high-profile return could follow just one day later. Veteran ace Max Scherzer is reportedly lined up to start Wednesday’s series finale against Philadelphia as he continues his recovery from right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.

The future Hall of Famer has endured a difficult start to his Blue Jays career. The 41-year-old appeared in only five games before landing on the injured list in late April and posted a 1-3 record with a 9.64 ERA over 18.2 innings. 

Toronto will be hoping a healthy Scherzer can provide stability and experience to the rotation during the second half of the season.

Behind the plate, Alejandro Kirk is also approaching a return after missing more than two months with a fractured thumb. The injury occurred in early April when a foul tip struck his hand during a game against the Chicago White Sox.

The two-time All-Star had appeared in only five games before the injury, batting .150 with one home run.

The Blue Jays entered their three-game series against the Phillies with a 32-34 record. The potential return of Cease, Scherzer, and Kirk could not come at a better time as Toronto looks to gain momentum and re-enter the American League playoff race.