SEATTLE -- Max Scherzer passed the first test of his rehab on Friday.
The 41-year-old right-hander, who has been on the 15-day injured list since June 17 because of back spasms, started for High-A Vancouver vs. Eugene and went three innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out three and walking two. Scherzer threw 49 pitches, 33 of which were strikes.
“All reports were he felt good,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said ahead of Toronto’s series opener at T-Mobile Park. He added that Scherzer would join the team in Seattle on Friday and prepare to make two more rehab starts, which would likely be with Triple-A Buffalo.
Scherzer is currently in his second IL stint this season after previously suffering from right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. He has pitched to a 10.23 ERA in six starts for the Blue Jays this season.