From Piano to Postseason: How Max Scherzer Rebuilt His Thumb
Max Scherzer overcame a stubborn right-thumb issue that threatened his career by turning to piano practice. With doctors offering no surgical fix, he strengthened hand muscles by playing weighted-key pianos learned from YouTube tutorials, starting in a Denver hotel and continuing on road trips. The unusual rehab coincided with a late-season surge that helped him anchor the Blue Jays’ 2025 postseason run, including a pivotal start at Dodger Stadium and a Game 7 in the World Series. He now keeps a piano in play at home and in his routine, convinced the habit keeps him healthy and sharp.