Max Scherzer’s second year with the Toronto Blue Jays has been disastrous. The 41-year-old re-signed with Toronto during spring training on a one-year, $3 million contract. While part of the appeal for his return was his veteran presence, the Blue Jays also expected him to solidify the back end of the rotation and provide needed depth.
Instead, he has been unable to deliver. Scherzer has made five starts this season, going 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA and just 10 strikeouts across 18 2/3 innings. To make matters worse, he once again finds himself sidelined with an injury, just as he was for months during his first year in Toronto.
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Scherzer is now on the 15-day injured list with both right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. With multiple issues to recover from and considering his age, the path back could be a long one.
On Wednesday, Scherzer spoke with reporters before the Blue Jays game against the Tampa Bay Rays and revealed he had suffered a disappointing setback.
He explained that while his left ankle is progressing, his right forearm is not responding the way he hoped, and he will be consulting doctors about potential next steps (h/t Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet).
It remains possible that Scherzer will need surgery, and if he does, it becomes difficult to imagine him pitching on an MLB mound again. He has nothing left to prove. Across 19 seasons, Scherzer has been one of the defining pitchers of his generation, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion.
He nearly captured a third ring in 2025 and delivered a strong outing in Game 7 for Toronto, though the Blue Jays ultimately fell short. If this setback is serious, Scherzer’s legendary career may be approaching its final chapter.
