Max Scherzer exits early vs Dodgers as Blue Jays monitor forearm issue

Max Scherzer’s second start of the season ended earlier than expected Monday night, as the veteran right-hander was removed after two innings in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 14-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre.

Scherzer threw 36 pitches before manager John Schneider came to the mound ahead of the third inning, signaling the end of his outing. The club later confirmed the 41-year-old is dealing with right forearm tendinitis, adding another layer of uncertainty to a rotation already impacted by multiple injuries.

There were no immediate signs of discomfort during his time on the mound, but a dip in velocity raised early questions. Scherzer also surrendered a two-run home run to Teoscar Hernández as part of a difficult opening stretch.

Following the game, Schneider clarified that the team was aware of the condition prior to first pitch and emphasized that the situation had not worsened during the outing.

Despite the early exit, the Blue Jays remain optimistic about Scherzer’s availability in the short term.

Toronto is “fairly confident” he will be able to make his next scheduled start, according to Schneider, a key detail given the current state of the pitching staff.

The Blue Jays entered the game already managing a depleted rotation. Four starters are currently on the injured list, including Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, José Berríos and Cody Ponce. That group accounts for a significant portion of the team’s projected starting depth, forcing adjustments across both the rotation and bullpen.

As a result, innings have increasingly been distributed among relievers and depth arms. Over the weekend in Chicago, Lazaro Estrada provided four scoreless innings in a bulk role before being optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo. Austin Voth followed with 2 2/3 innings of relief on Sunday but was designated for assignment Monday as the team reshuffled its pitching staff.

Josh Fleming was called upon to take over after Scherzer’s departure Monday, part of an ongoing effort to bridge innings as Toronto navigates its current pitching situation.

The cumulative effect has placed added strain on the bullpen, which has been required to cover extended outings earlier in games than initially planned. That dynamic was evident again Monday, as the Dodgers built a large lead following Scherzer’s exit.

For Scherzer, the outing comes just days after a strong season debut in which he delivered six innings of one-run ball. That performance had offered stability at a time when Toronto needed consistency from its veteran starters.