Blue Jays Announce Max Scherzer Injury Update Before Angels Game
The Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff has been in a state of emergency since Opening Day. It has been a cascade of injury setbacks for the reigning American League pennant winners trying to defend its spot in the AL East. Entering their series against the Los Angeles Angels, the Blue Jays sit at 16-21, still searching for the consistency that carried them to the World Series a year ago.
One of the pitchers Toronto is hoping to rely on this season is Max Scherzer. The Blue Jays brought Scherzer back on a one-year, $3 million deal with performance incentives despite an injury plagued first season in Toronto.
But the 2026 regular season has not cooperated. Scherzer has made five starts, going 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA and just 10 strikeouts across 18 2/3 innings. He failed to complete three innings on three separate occasions, including a disastrous outing against the Cleveland Guardians in which he allowed seven runs on six hits, including three home runs, in just 2 1/3 innings.
The Blue Jays placed him on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, retroactive to April 26. Shortly after, Scherzer revealed to reporters his forearm was not responding as hoped and that he would be consulting with doctors on potential next steps.
On Friday, manager John Schneider provided the latest update: Scherzer received a cortisone shot in his right forearm and will observe a five-day no-throw period before attempting to resume mound work (h/t Arden Zwelling of SportsNet).
Max Scherzer (forearm, ankle) received a cortisone shot in his right forearm on Thursday. He'll look to resume throwing after a five-day rest period.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) May 8, 2026
The hope is that the injection provides enough relief to get him back on the field without further intervention, though given his age and injury history, nothing is guaranteed.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Scherzer remains one of the most decorated pitchers in baseball history. A healthy, functional Scherzer, even one pitching to contact and managing innings, adds depth this staff simply does not have right now.
Toronto opens their series against the Angels on Friday at Rogers Centre, with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
Related: Blue Jays' John Schneider Shares Alejandro Kirk Injury Update
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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 1:38 PM.