Blue Jays Ace Scherzer Exits Start Early Due to Forearm Injury

Three-time Cy Young winner leaves game against Dodgers after two innings

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and ochre, conceptually representing the fragmented nature of the Blue Jays' pitching staff due to injuries.Scherzer's early exit exposes the Blue Jays' fragile pitching depth as they navigate a rash of injuries to their starting rotation.Los Angeles Today

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, left Monday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after just two innings due to forearm tendinitis. The 41-year-old Scherzer, who re-signed with the Blue Jays in February, allowed two runs and two hits before exiting the game.

Why it matters

Scherzer's early departure is a concerning development for the Blue Jays, who are already dealing with multiple injuries to their starting rotation. The team has signed veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin to help bolster their pitching staff, but losing Scherzer for any extended period would be a major blow to their playoff aspirations.

The details

Scherzer said he's been dealing with soreness for a couple of days and didn't feel any worse after his abbreviated outing. His fastball velocity also dropped from an average of 93.4 mph in his previous start to 92.1 mph against the Dodgers. Left-hander Josh Fleming took over for Scherzer in the third inning.

  • Scherzer left the game against the Dodgers on April 7, 2026.
  • Scherzer re-signed with the Blue Jays in February 2026.

The players

Max Scherzer

A 41-year-old right-handed pitcher and three-time Cy Young Award winner who recently re-signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Teoscar Hernández

A Blue Jays outfielder who hit a home run off Scherzer in the first inning.

Josh Fleming

A left-handed pitcher who took over for Scherzer in the third inning.

Patrick Corbin

A 36-year-old left-handed pitcher who the Blue Jays recently signed to a one-year contract to help bolster their pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think it's a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed. My mind is I'm going to be making my next start.”

— Max Scherzer, Blue Jays Pitcher

What’s next

The Blue Jays will monitor Scherzer's progress and provide an update on his status ahead of his next scheduled start.

The takeaway

Scherzer's early exit due to forearm tendinitis is a concerning development for the Blue Jays, who are already dealing with multiple injuries to their starting rotation. The team's ability to weather this setback and keep their playoff hopes alive will depend on the severity of Scherzer's injury and how quickly he can return to the mound.