Max Scherzer will return from the 15-day injured list on his 42nd birthday in Monday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals, whom he won his first of two World Series and spent seven seasons with.

Toronto Blue Jays manager revealed the news to reporters, including MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, in Boston following Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the Red Sox, dropping the team back to 10 games below .500 exactly one week away from the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Scherzer, who, like fellow rotation mates Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber, will become a free agent after this season, threw five no-hit innings on 56 pitches (40 strikes) for Triple-A Buffalo last Wednesday. It was his first and only start since resuming his rehab assignment, which was paused during the All-Star break as he received three cortisone injections in his right thumb.

The newly turned 42-year-old hurler isn’t fully stretched out yet and was previously expected to make another rehab start with the Bisons. But his return was necessitated by Patrick Corbin’s recent placement on the IL. That means Spencer Miles will temporarily shift back to the bullpen and will likely serve as a piggyback option with Scherzer.

This will mark Scherzer’s first major-league start since June 10, an outing in which he departed after 3.1 innings versus the Philadelphia Phillies, who tagged the future Hall-of-Fame pitcher for five runs (all earned) on five hits and three walks, while he struck out four.

After returning to the Blue Jays on a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives, the veteran right-hander has only made six big-league starts thus far, pitching to a 10.23 ERA and 8.79 FIP with 11 walks and 14 strikeouts across 22.0 innings — he’s compiled 18.2 innings over five rehab starts this season. Of the 11 total starts (majors and minors) he’s made thus far, only two have consisted of six innings pitched or more — one in March and the other in April.

Despite enduring an injury-riddled campaign, hampered by forearm, ankle, back and thumb ailments, Scherzer’s return against the Nationals could act as a showcase of sorts ahead of next week’s trade deadline. His market will be extremely limited, but with a quality performance, he could be worth a flier for one of the 29 other teams.

This spot in Toronto’s rotation is scheduled to come around again on the eve of deadline day (Aug. 2), coming in the finale of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. So, in the end, Scherzer may ultimately receive two starts to rebuild his trade value — though he holds all the cards regarding his fate, thanks to a full no-trade clause.

Off The Roster is Toronto sports. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, this is the go-to morning conversation for everything happening in the 6ix – Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and everything in between. From breakout performances and questionable trades to throwback jerseys, viral moments, and the stories fans are actually talking about—it’s smart, sharp, and never scripted. Live weekday mornings on the Nation Network YouTube channel and available wherever you stream podcasts, the show delivers real opinions, real chemistry, and real Toronto energy. Missed an episode? Catch up anytime. Off The Roster—The new sound of the 6ix.