Max Scherzer threw 27 pitches off the mound Friday and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said it was a step in the right direction as the right-hander recovers from a troublesome thumb.

The Toronto Blue Jays are in a tough spot as their veteran free agent addition struggles to rejoin the rotation.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer has made just one start this season. Signing a one-year, $15 million contract this offseason, the three-time Cy Young Award winner looked to bolster the Blue Jays pitching staff with veteran experience.