Few pitchers in modern baseball embody competitive fire quite like the Blue Jays’ pitcher, Max Scherzer. A 3x Cy Young Award winner, Scherzer has built his legacy on more than just electric stuff and pinpoint command — he’s done it with an edge. From the moment he toes the rubber, Scherzer operates with an intensity that borders on combustible. Well, nowhere is that more evident than in his ongoing battles with MLB umpires. Over the years, he’s clashed with officials over everything from borderline strike calls to controversial substance checks.

But for a player who would walk through fire to secure a win, conflict is just another inning to pitch through.

This time, he is against CB Bucknor, the man with controversial decisions!

Scherzer’s fiery edge was on full display again during a recent game with the Blue Jays. With teammate Chris Bassitt on the mound and the score knotted at 2-2, Scherzer found a way to let his frustrations bubble up. But this time, with a touch of sarcasm. The 2x World Series champion was seen mimicking home plate umpire CB Bucknor. He was pretending to flip a coin to decide balls and strikes.

Well, that was classic Scherzer: Pointed, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore. Even he couldn’t suppress a smirk as he leaned into the bit. Ahh, a moment equal parts comedy and commentary from one of the game’s fiercest competitors.

It’s not just Scherzer, though. Almost everyone who has faced Bucknor over his nearly three-decade career in MLB has felt the heat. Bucknor’s reputation precedes him, earning him the dubious distinction of being voted the worst umpire in the league multiple times. Whether it’s a missed call, a controversial strike zone, or a heated exchange, no player seems immune to his authority.

And this wasn’t Scherzer’s first run-in with Bucknor, either. Back in 2015, Bucknor made a controversial call that would leave anyone seething. He ruled a walk-off base hit fair, despite not keeping his eyes on the diamond as he tried to get out of the way of the ball. It was the kind of call that would fuel a competitor like Scherzer for years to come. Given his fiery nature and knack for holding grudges, it’s safe to say he hasn’t forgotten that moment.

While the Blue Jays’ ace may find himself spending time on the injured list, there’s no doubt he’ll keep that memory sharp.

The Blue Jays are awaiting Scherzer’s return

Now, at 40 years old, Scherzer’s journey has taken another twist. After signing a one-year, $15.5 million deal with the Blue Jays in February, he’s been sidelined by right thumb inflammation. This had limited him to just one start in 2025. It was a frustrating blow for a player used to commanding the mound with his fierce intensity. Scherzer was placed on the injured list just a day after his start on March 30, but there’s hope on the horizon.

Recent reports indicated that Scherzer threw a “heavy bullpen.” Now that’s a positive sign that the veteran is inching closer to a return. The road to recovery may be slow, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Scherzer’s competitive fire is unlikely to be extinguished by an injury.

Scherzer’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Blue Jays.

They have encountered their fair share of challenges with pitching depth early in the season. While he made a single start against the Orioles, where he pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, and striking out 2 batters, it shows his ability to manage hitters effectively.

With the rotation struggling to find consistency, adding a pitcher of Scherzer’s caliber would be a game-changer. His experience and elite skill set are expected to provide the stability and leadership that the Blue Jays’ pitching staff desperately needs. Not only does Scherzer bring a proven track record of success in high-pressure situations, but his veteran presence could help mentor younger arms and bring an added level of confidence to the mound.

So, the wait to see Scherzer going face-to-face against the umpires might end soon.