FORT MYERS, Fla. — Max Scherzer demonstrated both pitching excellence and defensive prowess during a spring training showdown that left fans convinced of his readiness for the upcoming regular season. The three-time Cy Young Award winner highlighted his skills on Saturday in a game where he also showcased his ability to cover the field for the Toronto Blue Jays.
In an impressive display during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins, Scherzer reached behind his back to field a groundball hit by Twins’ second baseman Edouard Julien. Though Scherzer had turned his back to home plate after his delivery, he astutely snagged the grounder with his glove.
After securing the ball, Scherzer composedly tossed it to first base to complete the play, ending the inning. As the ball connected with Rainer Nunez’s glove at first, Julien was only midway down the line, casting a look back at Scherzer in apparent disbelief.
The 40-year-old pitcher’s game performance was equally noteworthy. Scherzer yielded merely two hits across four scoreless innings, notching four strikeouts and just one walk, bringing his spring ERA to a stellar 1.38.
Scherzer, with a career record of 216-112, is commencing his inaugural season with the Blue Jays. He signed a one-year contract worth $15.5 million with Toronto on January 31.
Last season, Scherzer was restricted to nine games with Texas, recording a 2-4 mark with a 3.95 ERA. His season began on the injured list due to recovery from lower back surgery. Additionally, shoulder fatigue sidelined him from August 2 to September 13, and a left hamstring strain cut his season short.