Max Scherzer is continuing to trend in the right direction.

The future Hall-of-Fame pitcher resumed his starter’s build-up at the Rogers Centre on Wednesday, completing a two-inning live BP session of roughly 30 pitches. Depending on how he feels afterwards, the 41-year-old’s next step could involve beginning a rehab assignment, manager John Schneider told reporters pre-game.

Scherzer last started for the Toronto Blue Jays on April 24, surrendering seven runs (all earned) over 2.1 innings against the Cleveland Guardians, but has since been sidelined with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.

The forearm injury led to Scherzer’s early departure in his second start of the season versus the Los Angeles Dodgers in early April, while his ankle injury had progressively worsened since the 2026 campaign opened. Since hitting the shelf, he’s received cortisone injections not only in his injured forearm, but also in his right thumb — the same one that plagued him last season — as he had gotten away from playing the piano, an unusual remedy that’s offered the most relief.

Schneider said he still needs to convene with Scherzer before mapping out the right-hander’s next steps. Chances are, however, that plan will likely include making a few minor-league rehab starts before returning from the IL next month.

With Shane Bieber also out on a rehab assignment, scheduled to make his next start with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday, starting pitching reinforcements appear to be on the way for an injury-riddled Blue Jays’ rotation that’s currently operating with three traditional starters — Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Patrick Corbin.

Addison Barger plans to begin a throwing progression on Thursday, according to Schneider. The club’s skipper revealed earlier this week that the hard-throwing outfielder was a bit behind schedule due to lingering soreness in his injured right elbow.

The 26-year-old has remained with the team since returning to the IL earlier this month, cutting short his initial return from double ankle discomfort. His presence has been sorely missed this season, both at the plate and in right field.

But now that Barger is on the verge of throwing again, his triumphant return may only be a few weeks away, potentially lining him up for a mid-June activation.

There’s also optimism that Alejandro Kirk isn’t too far away from returning. The All-Star catcher intends to start taking swings off pitching machines this weekend, per Schneider, and hopes to begin a rehab assignment when the Blue Jays’ upcoming road trip concludes on June 4.

Kirk will probably require a handful of rehab games now that he’s missed almost two months due to a fractured left thumb. But that’s mostly because he remains in the early stages of his hitting progression. Once that concludes, he’ll be 100 per cent ready to return as Toronto’s everyday backstop.

When that time comes, another tough decision will arrive for the Blue Jays, needing to decide whether to option rookie Brandon Valenzuela — who’s taken over the starting catching role in Kirk’s absence and has accounted for 1.1 fWAR in 105 plate appearances — or part ways with out-of-options backup Tyler Heineman.

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