The first Saturday of the 2025 MLB regular season gave us our first in-season glimpse of Spencer Strider in Triple-A, as he recovers from elbow surgery. However, the day was marred by a short Blue Jays debut for Max Scherzer, who only went three innings in his first outing of the year.
Henderson and Strider in Triple-A
Gunnar Henderson and Spencer Strider both made rehab outings on March 29 in Triple-A, the only active level at the moment. It was Henderson’s second game of the year, as he played for the Tides on the 28th. Strider, meanwhile, made his first Triple-A outing after two spring outings.
Henderson went 1-4 with two strikeouts on the 29th, giving him two hits overall on his rehab assignment. The 23-year-old played eight innings at short before getting pulled for a defensive substitution.
Strider, meanwhile, had 16 swing-and-misses on March 29, the most at the level on the day. The right-hander tossed three innings, as Strider struck out six and threw 60 pitches.
It was more of the same for Strider, who struck out 10 over four spring innings. His fastball capped out at 97 MPH, roughly in line with where it was in the spring. Strider’s work included a called strike three against White Sox prospect Colson Montgomery and good depth on both his curveball and slider.
Scherzer leaves first game with Blue Jays
Max Scherzer‘s first outing with the Blue Jays lasted three innings before he left, with the team stating the reason was right lat soreness. However, Scherzer attributed it to the thumb problem he’s dealt with for weeks.
Scherzer said he can’t pitch again until his thumb is 100%, leaving the door open for a potential Triple-A stint.
Ohtani throws bullpen session
Shohei Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen session on March 29, as the two-way star pushed forward during his rehab from Tommy John surgery. However, the team reiterated he’s still not close to coming back to pitch.
Other injury news
The Rays officially placed outfielder Josh Lowe, who left Tampa Bay’s season opener on March 28, on the IL with right oblique discomfort. Tampa recalled outfielder Jake Mangum to take Lowe’s spot.
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