Blue Jays’ Scherzer not yet throwing, remains day-to-day

Max Scherzer‘s timeline to return to the Toronto Blue Jays remains unclear.

The three-time Cy Young winner did not play catch Friday as he continues to recover from a cortisone shot meant to diminish swelling in his right thumb, manager John Schneider told reporters.

Scherzer remains day-to-day, Schneider added.

The 40-year-old left his Blue Jays debut on Saturday after just three innings with a right lat strain, which he said was caused by the thumb injury that dated back to spring training. He was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day.

While Easton Lucas impressed with five shutout innings against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday in Scherzer’s rotation spot, Schneider said the team has not determined who will start the next time up.

Reliever Yariel Rodriguez, who pitched as a starter last season, could be an option depending on bullpen usage.

The start would likely come Tuesday on the road against the Boston Red Sox.

Meanwhile, Schneider said outfielder Daulton Varsho (right shoulder) is playing catch up to 175 feet while continuing to appear in extended spring training games as a designated hitter, but he has not returned to the outfield.

Reliever Erik Swanson threw his first bullpen Friday since receiving a cortisone shot to help a sore right elbow, while reliever Ryan Burr (right shoulder) has yet to return to throwing.

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