Red Sox Rival Activates Former Cy Young Award Winner

The Boston Red Sox (40-42) will begin an important three-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays (42-37) on Friday. Currently riding a five-game losing streak, the Red Sox will have a nice opportunity to make up ground in the standings against their neighbors from the north.

The Blue Jays enter the series with a record of 4-6 over their last 10 games and currently sit 3 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees (46-34) for the top spot in the American League East.

With that being said, the Blue Jays made a notable roster move Wednesday when they recalled three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer from his rehab assignment after being placed on the 60-day injured list in May.

Signed to a one-year $15.5 million deal in February, the Blue Jays took a flier on the 40-year-old in a low-stakes deal aimed at improving their starting rotation. Unquestionably one of the best pitchers in the game since making his debut in 2008, Scherzer had only made 17 starts over the last two seasons before making his debut with the team Wednesday.

In five innings, the right-hander allowed six hits and three earned runs, while walking three and striking out four on 83 pitches. The Blue Jays would eventually lose to the Guardians 5-4 in ten innings.

With Scherzer having pitched on Wednesday, the Red Sox are unlikely to face the 18-year veteran during this weekend’s series. And with the AL East currently a four-team race, Scherzer’s addition to the Blue Jay’s rotation could have a major impact on the standings if he remains healthy.