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.

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.

Toronto Blue Jays ace Max Scherzer is inching closer to a return from the thumb injury that has sidelined him since March. The veteran right-hander is set to face live hitters Wednesday in a key step toward resuming game action,