Max Scherzer to start for Blue Jays in Game 7 but Dodgers pitcher is unknown

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays are turning to surefire Hall of Famer Max Scherzer as their starter for Game 7 of the World Series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers? It could be just about any pitcher on the roster except Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Manager John Schneider confirmed after Toronto’s 3-1 loss in Game 6 on Friday that the 41-year-old Scherzer would get the ball in the finale of the best-of-seven series.

“It’s the two best words in sports: Game 7,” said Schneider in his post-game news conference. “No better guy to have on the mound to navigate the emotions, the stuff. 

“Max has been getting ready for Game 7 when he knew he was pitching Game 3 so I have all the confidence in the world in him and everyone tomorrow.”

Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts was more cagey, however.

Yamamoto threw 96 pitches as L.A.’s Game 6 starter. Tyler Glasnow was next in Los Angeles’s rotation but he threw three pitches in the ninth inning.

“I’m not sure (about) the pitching situation, but Glasnow will be available. Everyone will be available,” said Roberts, before clarifying that Yamamoto would not be ready to go.

Kevin Gausman threw 93 pitches over six innings for Toronto on Friday, taking the Game 6 loss after allowing three runs in the third inning. Despite that, Schneider said Gausman wasn’t relieved from duty for the finale.

“Everyone that is active on the roster will be available to pitch,” said Schneider. “Maybe even Kev. It will be all hands on deck tomorrow.”

When a reporter told Gausman of Schneider’s comments, the de facto ace of the Blue Jays staff said he’d have to change his post-game routine.

“I mean, it’s Game 7. I’ll do whatever,” said Gausman. “I need to get in the weight room right now, if that’s the case, get running and whatnot. 

“But I’ll go straight to the cold tub after this to be ready. I mean, all hands on deck tomorrow, for sure.”

Scherzer has a 221-117 record over 18 MLB seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and now Toronto. He has a 3.22 earned-run average over his career with 3,489 strikeouts.

He’s an eight-time all-star and has won the World Series twice, with the Nationals and Texas.

Scherzer signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays in the off-season but struggled to a 5-5 record with a 5.19 ERA this year, striking out 82 over 85 innings as he missed time due to right thumb inflammation. Scherzer has been better in the post-season, earning a win in two starts with a 4.50 ERA and eight strikeouts over 10 innings.

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He was solid in Game 3 of the World Series, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out three over 4 1/3 innings. The Dodgers ended up winning a marathon 18-inning game 6-5 that night.

Outfielder Myles Straw said after the Game 6 loss that it was apparent Scherzer was ready for the climactic finale.

“I was in the tub and I was watching him walking around the training room. He looks like he’s ready to throw right now,” said Straw of Scherzer, who’s renowned for his intensity. “I didn’t say anything to him in there, but he looks like he’s ready to go. He looked pissed off. He looks like he does on his start day. 

“I love that. He’s a competitor. That’s why we got him this year, for these moments. I know he’s going to be ready.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2025.