The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has been placed on the 15-day injured list. This decision stems from right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. The move is effective retroactively from Saturday.
Details of Scherzer’s Injuries
This setback follows a challenging performance against the Cleveland Guardians, where Scherzer allowed seven earned runs and six hits in only 2 1/3 innings, resulting in an 8-6 loss. Currently, Scherzer holds a record of 1-3, with an earned run average (ERA) of 9.64 over five starts this season.
Team Adjustments
To fill the gap left by Scherzer, the Blue Jays have recalled right-handed pitcher Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo. Lee has been impressive in the minors, boasting a 1.32 ERA with two saves over 13 2/3 innings across nine appearances.
Scherzer’s Recent Performance and Contract
- Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays worth $3 million.
- His contract includes potential performance bonuses, which can increase his earnings to $10 million based on innings pitched.
- This season, Scherzer has struggled significantly, failing to complete three innings in three separate starts.
Previously, he left a start against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to forearm pain and struggled against the Minnesota Twins shortly afterward.
Scherzer’s Career Highlights
The 41-year-old is an eight-time All-Star and has had a notable career, including winning championships with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and the Texas Rangers in 2023. In 2022, Scherzer recorded a 5.19 ERA with a 5-5 record over 17 starts and 85 innings. He also made three postseason starts last year, notably winning Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
As of now, Scherzer ranks 11th on the all-time strikeout list with 3,499 strikeouts, placing him just 10 behind Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.
