Toronto Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer says he will be ready for Opening Day

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer told reporters on Tuesday he will be ready for Opening Day despite joining training camp late.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Max Scherzer

Scherzer plans to pitch this weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies and he said he is completely over the thumb issue he has been dealing with over the last two years.

“I feel good. I feel healthy. I just want to pitch,” Scherzer said.

It was reported last week that Scherzer and the Blue Jays had agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with up to $10 million in incentives and the deal was made official on Monday.

The 41-year-old posted a 5-5 record over 17 regular season games for the Blue Jays last season, finishing with a 5.19 ERA. He was at his best in the playoffs, recording a 3.77 ERA in three postseason starts, including 4.1 innings in Game 7 of the World Series.

Toronto Blue Jays

Scherzer is part of a crowded rotation along with Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer.

Toronto has not announced plans for their starting rotation. However, Bieber will begin the year on the injured list due to arm fatigue in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Blue Jays have also said they will be mindful of Yesavage’s workload in his first full MLB season and they will have an innings limit on the rookie.

Toronto enters the year +1300 to win the World Series, +600 to win the American League and +260 to win the AL East.