Max Scherzer Struggles as Minnesota Twins Hand Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 Loss
The Toronto Blue Jays’ early-season pitching woes continued Sunday, April 12, 2026, as veteran starter Max Scherzer struggled through a short outing in an 8-2 defeat to the Minnesota Twins. Facing a crowd of 37,804, the Blue Jays were forced to rely on their bullpen early after Scherzer was chased in the third inning, marking his second consecutive losing start.
A Difficult Outing for the Veteran
Despite some early promise—including a fastball that touched 94.1 mph in the first inning—Scherzer’s command quickly deteriorated. The second inning proved pivotal when he walked Josh Bell and hit Matt Wallner, setting the stage for Tristan Gray to launch a three-run home run on a cutter left over the middle of the plate.
The turmoil persisted into the third inning. Kody Clemens opened the frame with a 417-foot home run to right-centre. The Twins maintained offensive pressure with a series of singles and a walk, eventually forcing Scherzer from the game. He was replaced by reliever Joe Mantiply, who surrendered a two-run double that scored two inherited runners.
Scherzer’s final line for the day was stark:
- Innings Pitched: 2.1
- Hits: 5
- Earned Runs: 8
- Walks: 2
- Strikeouts: 3
- Pitch Count: 68 (41 strikes)
This performance pushed the three-time Cy Young winner’s season ERA to 9.58, leaving him with a 1-2 record.
Health Concerns and Contract Context
This outing follows a troubling pattern for the 41-year-old pitcher. On April 6, Scherzer exited after just two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to right forearm tendinitis. While a subsequent MRI revealed no ligament damage and cleared him for Sunday’s start, the lack of longevity in his recent appearances is a growing concern for Toronto.
Scherzer returned to the Blue Jays over the off-season on a one-year, $3 million contract that includes incentives based on innings pitched. His current struggles are a significant departure from his 2025 campaign, where he posted a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts.
Injury Woes Mount for the Blue Jays
The loss to the Twins comes amid further roster instability. The Blue Jays are currently dealing with the loss of designated hitter George Springer, who suffered a fractured left big toe on Saturday. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning of the previous game; while initial X-rays suggested a small fracture, a CT scan is required to determine the full extent of the recovery time.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Pitching Collapse: Max Scherzer allowed eight earned runs over 2.1 innings, continuing a trend of short starts.
- Twins Dominance: Minnesota utilized a lineup featuring five left-handed hitters and three switch-hitters to dismantle Toronto’s starter.
- Roster Depth Tested: With Springer sidelined by a toe fracture and Scherzer struggling with health and command, the Blue Jays’ depth is being pushed to its limit.
- Opposing Strength: The Twins’ victory was bolstered by a strong start from right-hander Taj Bradley.
As Toronto looks to rebound, the focus will remain on Scherzer’s ability to regain his form and the timeline for Springer’s return to the lineup.
Worth a look