Scherzer Joins Blue Jays Rotation

From Toronto Blue Jays coverage, this is your March 21st update.

The Toronto Blue Jays are stacked with starting pitchers heading into the new MLB season after

adding four right handers to the mix.

They re-signed Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer, while picking up Cody Ponds and Dylan Seese

in free agency.

That depth paid off when 41-year-old Scherzer locked down the final spot in the five-man

rotation for opening week.

Scherzer's one-year deal worth $3 million came together in March, right as spring training

kicked into gear.

It was a surprise move for a team already loaded with arms, but his Hall of Fame resume,

two World Series titles, three-sai young awards, eight all-star, nods, and over 3,000

strikeouts made it tempting.

Fans in the front office held their breath over his health after thumb troubles limited

him to 85 innings last year.

Still, he impressed and camp was zero runs allowed over 13 in two-thirds innings and nine

strikeouts, proving he still got the stuff.

Manager John Schneider made it official on Friday, sliding Scherzer into the rotation.

This opens the door for him after young prospect Ray Yessivage landed on the injured list

with a right shoulder issue.

He's one of Toronto's top arms, but needs time to heal.

Now Scherzer gets a shot to anchor the staff and chase another deep playoff run, building

on his Game 7 World Series start last fall, despite a tough regular season.

The Jays live prime to contend with his veteran boost leading the way.