The Toronto Blue Jays entered Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to get back on track after getting swept by the Chicago White Sox over the weekend. Right-handed veteran Max Scherzer got the ball for the first game of the three-game set.
Scherzer completed two innings of work, allowing two runs on two hits, including a home run by Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. However, as the third inning approached, it became clear that Scherzer’s night was done as he shook hands with manager John Schneider in the dugout and left-hander Josh Fleming began to warm up in the bullpen.
Sure enough, as the third inning arrived, Fleming entered the game in his place with Scherzer throwing just 36 total pitches.
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Scherzer’s velocity was noticeably down once again throughout the first two innings. After the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced an update on Scherzer's status and the reason for his early departure.
"Max Scherzer is dealing with forearm tendinitis, Schneider said. Has been for the last couple days #BlueJays," reported Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.
If Scherzer is forced to miss extended time, it would be yet another blow to Toronto’s rotation. Not only did Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber all start the year on the 15-day injured list, but during his first start of the year, right-handed offseason pitching acquisition Cody Ponce suffered a sprained right ACL that will keep him out for months.
Scherzer rejoined the Blue Jays for another season this past offseason on a one-year, $3 million deal to solidify the back end of the starting rotation and provide depth. Last year, the 41-year-old also battled health issues, and even when on the field he struggled, owning a 5.19 ERA across 17 starts.
However, he provided valuable veteran leadership in the clubhouse and showed up in October, helping Toronto reach the World Series. Scherzer remains a future Hall of Famer, and Toronto is the seventh organization he has pitched for in his 19-year career.
He is a member of the 3000-strikeout club, has three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star selections, and has won two World Series rings while looking to win a third this year with Toronto. For now, the Blue Jays can only hope his right forearm setback does not force an extended absence.
