Rehabbing right-hander Max Scherzer is aiming to make another Triple-A rehab start, likely on Friday, according to the future Hall-of-Fame pitcher.

Scherzer spoke to reporters — including Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling — in Atlanta ahead of Tuesday’s series opener versus the Toronto Blue Jays, saying he plans to continue building up in his next start after throwing 41 pitches (24 strikes) during Sunday’s outing with the Buffalo Bisons. He tossed three hitless innings, issuing two walks and four strikeouts against the 10 batters he faced.

The 41-year-old starter also said he hopes to further shake off the rust he encountered in his first outing since hitting the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation over a month ago.

Scherzer said his forearm is feeling much better now that he’s had plenty of time to rest and recover. He received a cortisone injection in his pitching arm in early May, then another one in his right thumb less than a week later, as it started to flare up again during his IL stint.

To ensure Scherzer provided his forearm with ample rest, he stopped playing the piano — the unconventional cure for his nagging thumb ailment — and two weeks later, his discomfort returned. So, he told reporters that he’s since begun playing again and has seen a massive improvement in that thumb.

In his second start with the Bisons, the three-time Cy Young winner will be eyeing around 60 pitches over 4-5 innings. After that, the Blue Jays brass will reconvene with the veteran hurler to determine next steps.

It’s possible Scherzer could require a third and final rehab start, or perhaps just a bullpen session, prior to rejoining Toronto’s injury-riddled staff. Since he’s already pitching on traditional four days’ rest, having him start on Friday with Buffalo would potentially line up his next start for June 10.

That could come back home in the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies. But the club hasn’t revealed their upcoming pitching plans yet.

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