DUNEDIN, Fla. — Before Max Scherzer’s contract had even been finalized, he was in full uniform at the Blue Jays’ player development facility Monday throwing a bullpen session in his familiar No. 31.
Not only that, there’s a chance the 41-year-old will be pitching in Grapefruit League games within the week, as the Blue Jays are tentatively planning to have him start Saturday’s game against the Phillies.
“Good catching up with Gramps,” said manager John Schneider. “It’s nice to have him back. Not only watching him throw — which looked really good — but just catching up with him, really. You guys all know the character that he is and it’s nice to get him back around some new faces and awesome to see him.”
Another bullpen session is slated for Wednesday, but since Scherzer has already been facing free agent hitters, he could be starting games as soon as this weekend.
Earlier in the week, Kevin Gausman will pitch Tuesday, followed by Dylan Cease Thursday and a combination of Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer Friday.
BLUE JAYS CHOOSE UNION REP
The Blue Jays chose an acting union rep Monday, with Davis Schneider officially taking over the duties that were once handled by Chris Bassitt. Early in spring, Daulton Varsho represented the Blue Jays, but Schneider will now handle the role with support from Varsho, George Springer, Tyler Heineman and Scherzer, among others.
“We’re a union, so everyone’s voice matters,” Schneider said. “Making sure everyone’s on the same page, talking to other teams, talking to other reps and discussing what everyone else is thinking.”
The role is especially important at a time that the sport’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Dec. 1. Union leader Bruce Meyer met with the Blue Jays Monday morning, fielding questions from players for about an hour and a half along with MLBPA executives and former pitchers Kevin Slowey and Andrew Miller.
Schneider was in the minor leagues the last time the sport’s CBA expired, so this is new for him, but he intends to connect regularly with veteran players as questions emerge this season.
“It’s not just me,” Schneider said. “Having Max back is big, being friends with (Chris) Bassitt, I can just text him and what he’s thinking. You’re also boys with everyone around the league, so no one’s afraid to talk to each other.”
Players are bracing for a lockout as MLB is expected to push for a salary cap, which the MLBPA has always opposed.
