Max Scherzer (lat soreness) exits Blue Jays debut after three innings vs. Orioles

Field Level Media|published: Sat 29th March, 17:58 2025

Mar 29, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Max Scherzer's debut with the Toronto Blue Jays was cut short on Saturday as the veteran right-hander exited after just three innings with lat soreness against the Baltimore Orioles.

Scherzer recorded one strikeout on 45 pitches, giving up two home runs in the top of the first inning, including one to Colton Cowser on Scherzer's second pitch of the game. After Toronto evened things up in the home half of the inning, Scherzer settled in and blanked the Orioles over the next two innings. The Blue Jays tacked on two runs in the bottom of the third to go on top 4-2.

After Scherzer left, however, Toronto struggled to keep Baltimore at bay. The Orioles put up four runs in the fourth and added another two in the sixth to take control.

The future Hall-of-Famer had to push back a spring training start due to thumb pain. Toronto has listed Scherzer as day-to-day until the team evaluates him further.

A two-time World Series champion, Scherzer agreed to a one-year $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in January after going 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA last season with the Texas Rangers. It marked the fewest wins in Scherzer's career since his rookie year in 2008.

Scherzer has the second-most wins among active MLB pitchers with 216 for his career. The eight-time All-Star has won three Cy Young Awards and tossed two no-hitters throughout his storied career.

--Field Level Media

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