TORONTO — Max Scherzer, the renowned pitcher and three-time Cy Young Award winner, faced an unexpected setback in his first game with the Blue Jays when he had to leave due to right lat muscle soreness. This discomfort, which Scherzer felt during his warm-up, hindered his ability to throw with full power. “I just didn’t feel like I could really let the ball go,” Scherzer mentioned, noting the necessity to reduce his effort on the mound. Despite managing to pitch three innings without further taxing the bullpen, he realized there was an imminent risk if he continued.
While playing against Baltimore, Scherzer allowed two runs from three hits, including two solo home runs. His time on the field saw him throwing 45 pitches, of which 28 were strikes, earning him one strikeout and no walks.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider emphasized caution with Scherzer’s debut, stating, “We want to be smart. First outing of the year. Obviously, we need him.” Given Scherzer’s history of injuries, the Blue Jays were wary of the risks. Scherzer, now 40, attributed the lat issue to ongoing thumb pain that had already affected his preseason, forcing a delay in his schedule. “Everything is compensating because of that thumb,” Scherzer explained, expressing concern over his body’s adaptations potentially leading to further injury.
The seasoned pitcher had signed a $15.5 million, one-year contract with Toronto back in February. His previous season in Texas was marred by health setbacks, including time on the injured list due to lower back surgery and shoulder fatigue. Reflecting on his current struggle, Scherzer labeled himself as “frustrated,” with resolving his thumb problem at the forefront. “This thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health,” he asserted, highlighting the need for full recovery before returning to the mound.
The game against Baltimore saw Scherzer starting uncertainly as Colton Cowser launched a 417-foot drive to center field on the second pitch he threw. Another setback came with Jordan Westburg hitting a two-out homer off Scherzer that soared 434 feet, marking the longest of Westburg’s career. Scherzer was replaced by right-hander Richard Lovelady in the fourth inning, who subsequently took the loss in Baltimore’s 9-5 triumph.