TORONTO -- Max Scherzer was removed from Monday night’s game against the Dodgers after just two innings and 36 pitches, another cause for concern in a rotation that already has plenty.
Scherzer’s velocity was down in the early innings, which included a two-run shot surrendered to Teoscar Hernández. There were no obvious signs of what Scherzer was dealing with on the mound, but prior to the top of the third inning, John Schneider walked onto the field to let the home-plate umpire know that his starter’s day was done.
There’s been a flu bug going around the Blue Jays’ clubhouse, which is a potential factor here, as well. Eric Lauer had a bad case of that flu over the weekend in Chicago, and after his start was bumped back one day to Sunday, he managed to last just two innings.
This rotation is already dealing with four starters on the IL, including Trey Yesavage (right shoulder impingement), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation), José Berríos (right elbow stress fracture) and Cody Ponce (right ACL sprain). Naturally, the burden has been shifted to the bullpen, which has been forced to churn through arms far earlier than anyone planned to cover innings.
Over the weekend in Chicago, it was Lazaro Estrada’s turn, and he gave the Blue Jays four scoreless innings in a bulk-relief role on Saturday before being optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo. On Sunday, Austin Voth gave the Blue Jays 2 2/3 innings of relief, but he was designated for assignment Monday to make room for Josh Fleming, who came in behind Scherzer.
Further updates are expected on Scherzer’s status.