Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider had quite a list of injury updates to go through on Thursday.
Max Scherzer will throw a live batting practice session on Friday at Rogers Centre. Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling reported that Tyler Heineman will catch for Scherzer and that Michael Stefanic and Jonatan Clase will hit.
The session will last around 20 to 25 pitches.
Heineman, who is currently on the injured list with a concussion, is currently increasing baseball activity while working through MLB’s concussion protocol. Zwelling reported that he will be eligible to come off the IL on Friday, but will need to pass a series of concussion tests first.
Elsewhere in the organization, Ryan Burr had a cortisone shot to treat inflammation in his throwing shoulder after having a setback in his rehab earlier this week. He will be shut down from throwing for a few days.
Fellow reliever Nick Sandlin will throw a live BP session of his own in Dunedin on Friday. He last threw a bullpen on Monday as he works his way back from a lat injury.
Finally, among Blue Jays’ bullpen arms, Erik Swanson pitched in triple-A Buffalo’s win earlier Thursday, tossing 15 pitches in a scoreless inning. He struck out one batter and allowed one hit. Swanson is now expected to return to Toronto’s major-league roster.
You can watch as the Blue Jays open their four-game series with the Athletics on Thursday night. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+.