Blue Jays make harsh Max Scherzer move after just three innings
Context:
The Toronto Blue Jays are actively seeking to improve their performance despite a losing record, having invested heavily in key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and acquiring Spencer Turnbull to strengthen their pitching staff. Unfortunately, Max Scherzer, a significant addition expected to bolster their rotation, has been sidelined with a thumb injury, limiting him to just three innings this season and placing him on the 60-day injured list. This injury setback is part of a wider pattern of health issues for Scherzer, who had signed a one-year deal with the team. Despite these challenges, there is optimism that Scherzer will return to the mound by late May, potentially aiding the Blue Jays' playoff aspirations. The team's efforts reflect a commitment to overcoming their struggles and reaching a competitive position in the league standings.
Dive Deeper:
The Toronto Blue Jays have struggled with a losing record, prompting efforts to enhance their roster, including a $500 million extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the addition of Spencer Turnbull to address pitching deficiencies.
Max Scherzer, expected to be a key player in the Blue Jays' rotation, has been moved to the 60-day injured list due to a thumb injury that has limited his participation to just three innings since the season's start.
This injury is part of a broader pattern for Scherzer, who has faced multiple health issues, having made only 17 starts in the two seasons before joining Toronto on a one-year, $15.5 million contract.
Despite his limited contribution so far, there is hope within the organization that Scherzer can return to action by late May, providing much-needed innings and potentially driving a playoff push.
The Blue Jays' management is determined to overcome current challenges, as evidenced by their active roster changes, to improve their standing and competitiveness in the league.
The Toronto Blue Jays have a losing record but the front office is trying to turn that around.
After making a slew of additions in the winter, including Andrés Giménez and Anthony Santander, the team made its biggest move of all by locking in franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a $500 million extension shortly after opening day.
Initially, that hasn’t been enough to put the team into a playoff position, but the Blue Jays haven’t stopped there. On Monday, the team signed veteran starter Spencer Turnbull in a move designed to shore up one of their primary weaknesses.
Though veteran starters Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman and José Berríos have been solid, the three of them won’t be enough to carry the team to the postseason. The Blue Jays had been hoping to get more out of future Hall of Fame hurler Max Sherzer, but he has now been moved to the 60-day injured list as a thumb injury keeps setting him back.
“Scherzer has been sidelined since the opening week of the season due to the lingering thumb issue, lasting just three innings (45 pitches) in his lone start for Toronto,” per Sportsnet. “The setback is the latest in a slew of injuries for the former three-time Cy Young winner as he made a combined 17 starts in the two seasons prior to signing a one-year deal worth $15.5 million to join the Blue Jays.”
It’s a harsh move for the Blue Jays when Scherzer has lasted just three innings so far this season, but there’s still reason for optimism that he can help drive a playoff run. He’s now targeting a late May return to the mound and the hope is that he’ll post some more innings before his contract is up.
More MLB: Mets predicted to call up No. 1 prospect as injuries pile up