The Toronto Blue Jays have placed veteran right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer on the 15-day injured list due to back spasms, the team announced Wednesday. The move came on the same day Scherzer was scheduled to start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Scherzer's latest setback
Scherzer, who turns 42 later this year, has struggled with consistency and health since joining the Blue Jays. In his place, Toronto used Braydon Fisher as an opener for 1 1/3 innings, followed by Simeon Woods Richardson.
“This is a time thing,” Scherzer told reporters in Boston. “It’s a back spasm. It’s nothing more than that.”
The back spasms first surfaced over the weekend, according to Scherzer. The team has prescribed rest, but there is no clear timeline for his return.
Performance struggles
Scherzer has pitched only 22 innings this season, posting a 10.23 ERA with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks. In his most recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies, he allowed five hits and two home runs over 3.1 innings.
Despite the poor numbers, the Blue Jays maintain they have not lost faith in the three-time Cy Young Award winner. Scherzer expressed frustration but remains confident in his ability to contribute.
“I absolutely have the utmost belief that I can be out there, I can be pitching, I can be helping the team win,” Scherzer said. “Nothing that has happened has changed that.”
Future uncertain
While Scherzer’s competitive spirit and willingness to win are unquestioned, his frequent injuries and declining performance raise questions about his future with the Blue Jays. Last year, his first in Toronto, he was not elite but showed his value in key postseason outings.
For now, the focus is on recovery. “I wanted to get in that rhythm, I wanted to be out there,” Scherzer added. “My arm feels like it’s in a really great spot right now, but I can’t go.”
The Blue Jays continue to evaluate their rotation options as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.
