Scherzer laments recurring thumb issues: 'Hurts to grip the ball'

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer said the thumb on his pitching hand is giving him problems after hitting the 50-pitch mark during starts, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.

Scherzer added the issue "flares up" during his recovery a day after starting, per Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, who adds an MRI on the three-time Cy Young winner's thumb showed no structural damage.

"My thumb hurts," Scherzer said Monday, according to Matheson. "It hurts to grip the ball. The critical thing I've learned over the years here is that your thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health. Unfortunately, this is what I've been dealing with since 2023."

The 40-year-old acknowledged he's working with a hand specialist, doctors, and trainers because pitching through the discomfort could lead to shoulder injuries.

Scherzer, who was scratched from his last spring start because of the thumb issue, logged a career-low 43 1/3 innings last year after starting the season on the injured list while recovering from back surgery. He also dealt with shoulder fatigue and a hamstring strain.