Blue Jays' Scherzer exits game with forearm tendinitis

Three-time Cy Young winner leaves after two innings as Toronto's injury-plagued rotation takes another hit.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:51am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, capturing the fragmented nature of the Blue Jays' injury-plagued rotation.Scherzer's early exit adds to the Blue Jays' mounting injury woes on the mound.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 two innings due to right forearm tendinitis. Scherzer, who re-signed with the Blue Jays in February, allowed two runs and two hits before exiting. Left-hander Josh Fleming took over in the third inning.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been decimated by injuries this season, with four starters currently on the injured list. Scherzer's early exit is the latest blow to a team that was expected to contend in the AL East.

The details

Scherzer's fastball velocity dropped from an average of 93.4 mph in his previous start to 92.1 mph on Monday. Manager John Schneider expressed confidence that Scherzer will make his next start, but the Blue Jays are already dealing with injuries to several key pitchers, including Cody Ponce, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Shane Bieber.

  • Scherzer left Monday's game against the Dodgers after two innings.
  • Last Monday, Cody Ponce left his first big league appearance since 2021 in the third inning after injuring his knee.
  • Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Shane Bieber are all working their way back from injuries and have yet to pitch this season.

The players

Max Scherzer

A three-time Cy Young Award winner and right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.

John Schneider

The manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Josh Fleming

A left-handed pitcher who took over for Scherzer in the third inning of Monday's game.

Cody Ponce

A right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the injured list.

Trey Yesavage

A right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the injured list.

Jose Berrios

A right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the injured list.

Shane Bieber

A right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“We must have confidence that Max will make his next start.”

— John Schneider, Manager, Toronto Blue Jays

What’s next

The Blue Jays will monitor Scherzer's condition and provide an update on his status before his next scheduled start.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' starting rotation has been decimated by injuries this season, and Scherzer's early exit is the latest blow to a team that was expected to contend in the AL East. The team will need to find a way to weather the storm and keep their playoff hopes alive.