TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays are dealing with a setback as they have placed right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right thumb. This decision follows his early exit from his first start for Toronto, where he pitched only three innings due to soreness in his right lat muscle.
Manager John Schneider revealed that Scherzer is scheduled to consult with a hand specialist in the United States on Monday. Schneider expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully this kind of resets him and knocks it out,” regarding Scherzer’s ongoing thumb problems. “We obviously need him. Elite pitcher, and we want him to feel his best.”
In response to Scherzer’s absence, the Blue Jays called up left-handed pitcher Easton Lucas and selected another lefty, Mason Fluharty, from Triple-A Buffalo. To make space, the team designated left-hander Richard Lovelady for assignment. Lovelady had a challenging outing against Baltimore, giving up four runs in relief and being tagged with the loss after Scherzer’s departure.
After the Blue Jays’ 9-5 loss on Saturday, the veteran pitcher, Scherzer, explained that his lat soreness was linked to ongoing thumb pain, which had previously delayed one of his start outings during spring training earlier this month. Feeling “frustrated,” Scherzer emphasized that resolving his thumb issue was crucial for his performance on the mound.
“This thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health,” Scherzer remarked after the game. “I’ve got to get this 100% before I pitch again.”
Scherzer, who signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract in February, had an eventful previous season. With Texas, he posted a 2-4 record and a 3.95 ERA over nine starts. His season was interrupted by recovery from lower back surgery and a later stint on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue, and he ultimately did not pitch past mid-September due to a left hamstring strain.
In his short appearance on Saturday, Scherzer allowed two runs on three hits, including two solo home runs. Despite throwing 45 pitches, with 28 strikes, he managed to strike out one batter without issuing any walks.