Max Scherzer is set to return from the injured list for the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, facing the Washington Nationals. The move comes as the Blue Jays, last year's World Series runner-up, have fallen to 10 games under .500 and appear unlikely to make the postseason, suggesting a potential shift towards trading away assets before the Major League Baseball deadline.
Scherzer's performance this season has been a concern. In May and June, he made five starts, completing more than four innings in only one. While he allowed two runs in six innings against the Diamondbacks, he surrendered 22 earned runs across 9.2 innings in his other four outings. Historically, Nationals hitters have had some success against Scherzer, batting .294 (10-for-34).
The Washington Nationals present a different narrative, holding a 54-52 record. However, the team has struggled at home, with a 22-32 record in Washington. Despite their unexpected competitiveness, the Nationals may consider trading players as they are still in a period of planned rebuild, with some offers potentially being too good to refuse.
Washington's starting pitcher will be Andrew Alvarez, who holds a 2-3 record with a 4.22 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. His home ERA is nearly 5.00, and he has struggled with walks, issuing 10 in his last 16.2 innings. The Blue Jays' offense ranks second-to-last in walks this season, which could potentially mitigate Alvarez's issues. Alvarez has never faced the Blue Jays before.
Scherzer, at 41 years old, is in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, and questions linger about his current effectiveness. His return from injury may offer a chance for a better outing, but his recent struggles have led to speculation about his remaining impact on the field. The upcoming trade deadline adds another layer of uncertainty for both teams, as players on expiring contracts or on teams out of contention could be on the move.