Scherzer is making gradual progress as he ramps up his throwing program, but he’s still a ways off from making it back to Toronto’s rotation. The 40-year-old righty has been dealing with a persistent thumb issue since spring training and will need to show he can build up his pitch count and stamina without any setbacks before he’s ready to return.

Scherzer is making progress as he works his way back from his thumb issue, and the hope is that the future Hall of Famer will be able to pitch off the mound soon. There’s no timetable for a return at this point, but Scherzer will assuredly need to make a rehab start or two before he gets back on the mound.

Scherzer said he’s hopeful to begin ramping up his throwing program, but it’ll depend on how his thumb responds in the coming days and weeks. The 40-year-old veteran added that he received a second cortisone injection last week and has a long road ahead before he’s ready to return. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect to see him back for Toronto anytime soon.

The 40-year-old hurler will be shut down for a few days while the injection takes effect. The expectation is that he will be able to resume throwing on Monday or Tuesday while the team is in Houston. Fantasy managers who are holding out hope for a quick return are going to have to wait at least another couple of weeks to see where he stands.