Max Scherzer threw 27 pitches off the mound Friday and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said it was a step in the right direction as the right-hander recovers from a troublesome thumb.

The #BlueJays have signed P Connor Overton to a minor league deal and assigned him to AAA Buffalo. Overton made his debut with the Jays back in 2021, owns a 4.85 ERA in 59.1 MLB innings. 7.85 ERA across three minors levels last year, with the Reds.

The Toronto Blue Jays are still without right-hander Max Scherzer, but it appears he’s not far off a return. Scherzer was seen throwing in the outfield on Friday afternoon in the Bronx ahead of a series with the New York Yankees.