Max Scherzer Exits Early Against Dodgers With Right Forearm Tendinitis
The Toronto Blue Jays faced a challenging Monday as veteran right-hander Max Scherzer was forced to abandon a 14-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After just two innings and 36 pitches, the three-time Cy Young Award winner exited the game due to right forearm tendinitis.
Scherzer, 41, who re-signed with Toronto in February, surrendered two hits and two runs during his abbreviated outing, including a home run by Teoscar Hernandez that drove in Kyle Tucker. The injury appeared to impact his velocity; his fastball averaged 92.1 mph on Monday, a dip from the 93.4 mph average he recorded during Tuesday’s start against the Colorado Rockies.
Scherzer’s Outlook on the Injury
Despite the early exit, Scherzer remains optimistic about his recovery. He noted that he had been experiencing soreness for a few days prior to the game but did not feel any increase in pain following the outing.
“I don’t think it’s a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed,” Scherzer stated. “My mind is I’m going to be making my next start.”
A Strained Blue Jays Pitching Staff
Scherzer’s injury comes at a precarious time for the Toronto Blue Jays, as the team is currently grappling with a depleted starting rotation. According to ESPN, the club already has four starters on the injured list:
- Cody Ponce: Currently sidelined after injuring his knee while pursuing an infield grounder during his first big league appearance since 2021.
- Trey Yesavage: Recovering from a shoulder injury.
- Jose Berrios: Recovering from an elbow injury.
- Shane Bieber: Recovering from an elbow injury.
To address the shortage, the Blue Jays signed 36-year-old left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract last week. Corbin recently began his transition, starting for Single-A Dunedin on Saturday, where he allowed one run over five innings.
Key Takeaways: Scherzer Injury Update
- Diagnosis: Right forearm tendinitis.
- Game Impact: Exited after 2 innings and 36 pitches against the Dodgers.
- Performance: Allowed 2 runs and 2 hits; fastball velocity dropped to 92.1 mph.
- Status: Scherzer expects to produce his next scheduled start.
- Team Context: Toronto has four other starters currently on the injured list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Max Scherzer’s forearm injury?
Scherzer has described the right forearm tendinitis as something that “needs to be addressed” but does not believe it is a major issue. He intends to return for his next start.
Who replaced Scherzer in the game against the Dodgers?
Left-hander Josh Fleming, who was selected from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, took over the game in the third inning.
What is the current state of the Blue Jays’ starting rotation?
The rotation is heavily strained, with Cody Ponce, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Shane Bieber all on the injured list. The team recently signed Patrick Corbin to provide additional depth.
Looking Ahead
While Scherzer’s experience and track record—including three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships—make him a cornerstone of the rotation, the Blue Jays’ immediate success depends on the health of their staff. The team will be closely monitoring Scherzer’s forearm in the coming days to ensure he is fit for his next appearance.