Max Scherzer took what the Toronto Blue Jays hope is a significant step in his return from a right thumb injury when he threw to hitters for the first time since going on the injured list in March.

Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer is progressing from a thumb injury, eyeing a late-May Blue Jays return after a live BP session.

For the first time since exiting his Toronto Blue Jays debut on March 29 with right thumb inflammation, three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer faced hitters on Wednesday in Anaheim, Calif.