Max Scherzer Exits Blue Jays Game as Rotation Injury Crisis Deepens

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer exited a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 6, 2026, after pitching only two innings. The early exit comes as a significant setback for a Toronto starting rotation already depleted by numerous injuries.

The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, who re-signed with the Blue Jays in February on a one-year contract, allowed two runs and two hits during his abbreviated outing. In the first inning, Teoscar Hernández hit a home run that drove in Kyle Tucker.

A notable decline in velocity was observed during the appearance. Scherzer’s fastball averaged 92.1 mph on April 6, a drop from the 93.4 mph average he recorded during his March 31 start against the Colorado Rockies.

Forearm Tendinitis and Recovery Outlook

Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Scherzer left the game due to right forearm tendinitis. According to reports, Scherzer had been managing the condition for several weeks, and it began to affect his throwing following his March 31 start.

Despite the early exit, Scherzer expressed optimism regarding his availability for future games. He stated that he did not believe the injury required a trip to the injured list or the need to miss two starts, noting, I just don’t think this is an IL issue where I need to miss two starts. I think I just needed to guard it today.

Scherzer further commented that the issue was just something that needs to be addressed and indicated his intention to make his next scheduled start.

Toronto’s Pitching Crisis

Scherzer’s injury adds to a mounting list of health issues facing the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. The team currently has four starters on the injured list. Right-hander Cody Ponce is among them after suffering a significant ACL injury to his knee on March 30, 2026, while pursuing an infield grounder during his first big league appearance since 2021.

three other right-handers have yet to pitch this season as they recover from injuries:

• Trey Yesavage (shoulder)
• José Berríos (elbow)
• Shane Bieber (elbow)

The team’s struggles extend beyond the starting rotation. Alejandro Kirk has undergone thumb surgery, and pitcher Eric Lauer has been among several players affected by the flu in recent days.

Roster Adjustments and Team Form

To address the lack of depth, the Blue Jays called up left-hander Josh Fleming from Triple-A Buffalo on April 6, and he took over the game in the third inning following Scherzer’s departure.

The organization also sought veteran help by signing 36-year-old left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract on April 3, 2026. Corbin began his tenure with a start for Single-A Dunedin on April 4, 2026, where he allowed one run over five innings.

The injury to Scherzer occurred during a difficult stretch for the team. The Blue Jays suffered a 14-2 loss to the Dodgers on April 6 and have recently dropped consecutive series to the Chicago White Sox and the Colorado Rockies.