Max Scherzer to take Blue Jays manager 'to trial' after forced bus ride

If enough Toronto Blue Jays players weren't already on the injured list, mechanical issues with the team's plane created another headache Sunday night, forcing the club to travel from Phoenix to Los Angeles in minor-league style.

On a bus.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider reportedly gave players the option to either wait for a replacement plane from Vancouver or travel six hours by coach bus. The players elected to take the bus, and pitcher Max Scherzer did not seem too happy with the decision.

Scherzer reprimanded the Blue Jays skipper for the decision (despite the player vote), and even handed Schneider a formal Kangaroo Court summons printed on high-end paper stock, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. "We're going to go to trial," Schneider joked.

The Blue Jays bused from Phoenix to Anaheim yesterday because their plane had mechanical issues.

Players voted to bus rather than wait for another plane to arrive, but manager John Schneider said he was still "reprimanded by Max (Scherzer) for electing to travel that way,"… — Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 20, 2026

Schneider responded by telling the 18-year MLB veteran and two-time World Series champion that if he wanted to travel by plane so badly, he should just buy one.

"I was like, 'Max, why don't you just buy a plane? You've got plenty of cash,'" Schneider recounted to Davidi.

The Blue Jays skipper said the decision to take the bus was made because most players, who were scheduled to play against the Angels on Monday, wanted to leave immediately.

Schneider's decision did not necessarily have any implications for Scherzer. Scherzer is not scheduled to pitch until Friday against the Cleveland Guardians in Toronto.

Sportsnet's Hazel Mae attempted to speak with Scherzer about the Kangaroo Court issue following the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, but the 41-year-old right-hander joked that he was not available to comment publicly before litigation.

Tried to speak to Max Scherzer about the Kangaroo Court issue with his manager, and Scherzer said he’ll talk tomorrow:

“The fact that Schneids brought it up publicly before litigation, will be raised in court.” 😂 https://t.co/eHjpVGLid0 — Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) April 21, 2026

This isn't the first time we've seen Schneider and Scherzer butt heads.

In Game 4 of the 2025 ALCS, Schneider visited Scherzer on the mound, appearing ready to turn to the bullpen. A visibly animated Scherzer argued with the Blue Jays manager to keep him in. He went on to strike out the next batter and get out of the inning — an iconic Blue Jays postseason moment.

Only one Blue Jays player travelled to Los Angeles by plane on Sunday to ensure he had a proper night of rest — Monday's starter, Dylan Cease.

The move paid off, as Cease recorded a season-high 12 strikeouts (for the second time this season), earning his first win as well.

Cease currently leads all MLB pitchers with 44 strikeouts this season, averaging nearly nine strikeouts per game.