DUNEDIN, Fla. – The primary pitch of Max Scherzer‘s Grapefruit League outing Sunday was a strike on the skin a part of the plate. Nothing sophisticated or controversial about it. 0-1.
However Trea Turner, the Phillies shortstop who as soon as gained a World Collection with Scherzer in Washington, didn’t seem to see it that means. Whether or not he’d heard Scherzer’s current critique of the spring problem system isn’t clear, however both means, Turner challenged the pitch, which was quickly confirmed as a strike.
So was he messing with Scherzer?
“After all,” the 40-year-old right-hander stated with fun. “Not a doubt in my thoughts.”
“They’re simply messing with me.”
One pitch later, Scherzer retired Turner on a pop-up, setting in movement a powerful begin by which he went 3.2 innings whereas hanging out 4 Phillies and permitting only one run.
“Trea’s clearly one in every of my favorite teammates of all-time,” Scherzer stated. “We’ll have an excellent chortle about it.”
Bodily, Scherzer feels stronger than he did early final yr, when a nerve situation that bothered him from his thumb throughout his triceps. At this level within the spring, that’s extra essential than the road rating or the radar gun (Scherzer topped out at 93.5 m.p.h. whereas throwing 47 pitches).
“I’m not taking something from the outcomes but,” Scherzer stated. “I’m trying on the course of. Can I throw a four-seam (fastball) glove facet? Can I throw a four-seam arm-side? It’s little checkmarks and ensuring you are able to do that.”
Later within the recreation, Bowden Francis continued his build-up in what is going to possible be his remaining aid look earlier than returning to a standard beginning function in one in every of Saturday’s split-squad video games. The 28-year-old’s in a a lot totally different place than he was this time final yr, as he’s now assured a rotation spot, however he’s making some extent of pushing himself nonetheless.
“It is just a little totally different but in addition my mindset hasn’t modified,” he stated. “I’ve received to continue to learn and I’ve received to maintain proving. I can’t simply put it in cruise management, however it provides you just a little little bit of consolation to work in your stuff extra.”
In 103.2 innings final yr, Francis posted a 3.30 ERA with 92 strikeouts in comparison with 22 walks. If he can construct on these ends in 2025, the Blue Jays have an opportunity to have one of many extra constant rotations within the American League from one via 5.
“I’m not sitting again within the chair by any means,” Francis continued. “I’m nonetheless working exhausting like every day’s my final.”
Step by step, the Blue Jays’ batting order is taking form, with Bo Bichette, Will Wagner, Andres Gimenez and George Springer all rising as candidates to hit up high relying on the day. The constant half can be Vladimir Guerrero Jr. adopted by Anthony Santander within the 2-3 or 3-4 spots.
On days Gimenez is hitting later within the order, the Blue Jays will possible place him earlier than Alejandro Kirk to take advantage of the second baseman’s velocity. If Kirk have been hitting forward of Gimenez, it might deprive Gimenez of some stolen base possibilities, but when he’s hitting earlier than Kirk, he can steal freely and keep away from some double performs.
THIRD BASE REPS FOR GUERRERO JR.
When first baseman Spencer Horwitz and designated hitter Justin Turner have been nonetheless on the Blue Jays, Guerrero Jr. performed third base semi-regularly. The roster seems to be totally different now, however Guerrero Jr. continues taking floor balls at third base, in order that he’s “an choice if we’d like him,” based on supervisor John Schneider.
That preparation will prolong to Grapefruit League motion on Wednesday, when Guerrero Jr. is slated to begin at third in Bradenton, Fla. in opposition to the Pirates. And by the sounds of it, he’s up for the problem.
“He loves it, really,” Schneider stated.
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Tony Clark led a contingent of MLBPA representatives via Blue Jays camp Sunday morning, as the chief director continued his annual tour via spring coaching. Gamers had questions in regards to the upcoming collective bargaining settlement, which is ready to run out following the 2026 season, and this was their likelihood to ask them in particular person slightly than via participant rep Chris Bassitt.
The MLBPA was, after all, conscious of the extension talks that occurred between Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays earlier this yr, however Clark stated his involvement has been minimal to date.
“I have not been part of the conversations which have which were had right here and do not understand how these discussions have gone, however there isn’t any doubt that Vlad Jr. is among the greatest gamers in our recreation, and if he really does get to free company, I’m to see all of the groups which can be going to be desirous about his providers.”
Some individuals are saying the sweeper is out of vogue as a result of hitters have found out tips on how to hit the once-trendy pitch that travels comparatively slowly and breaks horizontally. “The league has sort of adjusted to the pitch going throughout the zone,” Schneider stated. That’s one cause Kevin Gausman is throwing a brand new, cutter-like slider that has a pointy, vertical drop meant to assist neutralize lefties.
