Deadspin | Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer aims to hit right notes vs. D-backs 
Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches to the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Max Scherzer’s off-day preparation includes time on the piano. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Scherzer (1-2, 9.58 ERA) will get the ball on Saturday for the Toronto Blue Jays against Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.60) of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran right-handers will meet Saturday in Phoenix in the second game of a three-game set.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer found a keyboard in a room near the Blue Jays clubhouse on Friday and started tapping out Van Halen’s “Right Now.” He has credited the dexterity required to play the piano with extending his career by helping to relieve the discomfort of a troublesome right thumb injury.
“When you’re playing different keys and notes and chords, your hands are in very unique positions,” Scherzer told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal late in spring training.
“It makes you really work through your fingertips. By working those muscles in my hand, it got my fingers, ‘quote unquote,’ stronger. All of a sudden, that alleviated the thumb pain.”
Scherzer will attempt to put the Blue Jays out of their pain on Saturday. The reigning American League champions have lost five of the past six games and are 3-11 in April, occupying last place in the AL East.
Gallen, 30, also will look to extend an Arizona streak.
The Diamondbacks have won nine of the past 12 games after beating the Blue Jays 6-3 behind Michael Soroka’s fourth win of the season Friday.
Gallen pitched five scoreless innings in his most recent start and took a 2-0 lead into the sixth before the Philadelphia Phillies drove him out with five straight hits — including a homer and three doubles — as he took a no-decision in Arizona’s 4-3 victory.
“I think as a team, we believe in the talent that’s in here,” Gallen said. “I think guys are playing free and not playing scared.”
Gallen pitched six scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory over Detroit on April 1, them went five innings in each of his successive two outings.
He has faced the Blue Jays twice in his career without much success, going 0-1 with a 9.35 ERA in two starts. The last time he pitched against Toronto came in 2024.
Scherzer allowed one run over six innings in a 5-1 victory over Colorado on March 31 but has given up 10 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his two starts since.
He left his April 6 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings while dealing with right forearm tightness, but he said that was not a factor in an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins last Sunday.
The Twins scored eight runs off Scherzer in 2 1/3 innings, with homers from Kody Clemens and Tristan Gray.
“It actually loosened up on me,” Scherzer said of the forearm after the game. “I felt like it was coming out of my hand better. I was able to throw all of my pitches and as I got out of that outing. I haven’t felt the forearm completely tighten up, so that’s a good sign.”
Scherzer, 41, is with his seventh team and in his 19th season. He began his career with the Diamondbacks, who selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft out of college at Missouri. In late 2009, he was dealt to the Tigers as part of a three-team, seven-player deal that also involved Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.
He has started 12 games against Arizona and is 9-0 with a 2.65 ERA. He has struck out 111 and walked 19 in 78 innings.
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Max #Scherzer #aims #hit #notes #Dbacks
Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches to the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Max Scherzer’s off-day preparation includes time on the piano. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Scherzer (1-2, 9.58 ERA) will get the ball on Saturday for the Toronto Blue Jays against Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.60) of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran right-handers will meet Saturday in Phoenix in the second game of a three-game set.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer found a keyboard in a room near the Blue Jays clubhouse on Friday and started tapping out Van Halen’s “Right Now.” He has credited the dexterity required to play the piano with extending his career by helping to relieve the discomfort of a troublesome right thumb injury.
“When you’re playing different keys and notes and chords, your hands are in very unique positions,” Scherzer told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal late in spring training.
“It makes you really work through your fingertips. By working those muscles in my hand, it got my fingers, ‘quote unquote,’ stronger. All of a sudden, that alleviated the thumb pain.”
Scherzer will attempt to put the Blue Jays out of their pain on Saturday. The reigning American League champions have lost five of the past six games and are 3-11 in April, occupying last place in the AL East.
Gallen, 30, also will look to extend an Arizona streak.
The Diamondbacks have won nine of the past 12 games after beating the Blue Jays 6-3 behind Michael Soroka’s fourth win of the season Friday.
Gallen pitched five scoreless innings in his most recent start and took a 2-0 lead into the sixth before the Philadelphia Phillies drove him out with five straight hits — including a homer and three doubles — as he took a no-decision in Arizona’s 4-3 victory.
“I think as a team, we believe in the talent that’s in here,” Gallen said. “I think guys are playing free and not playing scared.”
Gallen pitched six scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory over Detroit on April 1, them went five innings in each of his successive two outings.
He has faced the Blue Jays twice in his career without much success, going 0-1 with a 9.35 ERA in two starts. The last time he pitched against Toronto came in 2024.
Scherzer allowed one run over six innings in a 5-1 victory over Colorado on March 31 but has given up 10 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his two starts since.
He left his April 6 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings while dealing with right forearm tightness, but he said that was not a factor in an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins last Sunday.
The Twins scored eight runs off Scherzer in 2 1/3 innings, with homers from Kody Clemens and Tristan Gray.
“It actually loosened up on me,” Scherzer said of the forearm after the game. “I felt like it was coming out of my hand better. I was able to throw all of my pitches and as I got out of that outing. I haven’t felt the forearm completely tighten up, so that’s a good sign.”
Scherzer, 41, is with his seventh team and in his 19th season. He began his career with the Diamondbacks, who selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft out of college at Missouri. In late 2009, he was dealt to the Tigers as part of a three-team, seven-player deal that also involved Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.
He has started 12 games against Arizona and is 9-0 with a 2.65 ERA. He has struck out 111 and walked 19 in 78 innings.
–Field Level Media
![Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25050214.jpg "Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab")
![Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/25050214.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | Report: Tiger Woods ‘responding well to treatment’ in rehab Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off not the 15th hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tiger Woods is making progress as he follows an intensive rehab program after his arrest on a driving under the influence charge, the Daily Mail reported. ‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,” a source told the British publication. “He calls or Zooms a small number of people.” Those people reportedly include girlfriend Vanessa Trump; daughter Sam and son Charlie; and Mark Steinberg, his agent since 1998. Per the Daily Mail, Woods, 50, is believed to be in Switzerland in an inpatient residential treatment program that is scheduled to run for 90 days. Woods entered rehab following a car crash on March 27 near his home at Jupiter Island, Fla. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and refusing to take a urine test near his home in Florida after his Land Rover clipped the back of a truck and rolled over onto its side. He was not injured and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Authorities have said he was impaired by medication and not alcohol. At the time of his arrest, he had two hydrocone pills in his pocket, authorities confirmed. “He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing,” a friend of Trump told the outlet. On the morning of the day of the crash, speculation was rampant if Woods would play at the Masters Tournament. He hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since The Open Championship in 2024, where he missed the cut, because of injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring of 2025 and underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October. This was not his first accident. On Feb. 23, 2021, authorities said Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed near Los Angeles. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and ankle that required multiple surgeries. In a statement issued March 31, Woods said he was prioritizing his health over golf. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods’ statement read. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Tiger #Woods #responding #treatment #rehab")
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