In World Series rematch, Max Scherzer exits after just 2 innings pitched

TORONTO — It was the last thing an injury-riddled Blue Jays team needed. Max Scherzer exited Monday’s start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after just two innings.

The Jays have yet to announce why the 41-year-old left the game.

Scherzer, who allowed two runs in 36 pitches, battled through diminished velocity in the first game of the 2025 World Series rematch. After averaging 93.4 miles per hour with his fastball in his first start of 2026, the righty sat just 92.1 on Monday.

In the last week, the Jays have lost Alejandro Kirk to thumb surgery and Cody Ponce to a significant ACL injury. Starters José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Bowden Francis and Trey Yesavage didn’t make it out of spring training healthy, either. Some Jays have also been hit by a flu in recent days, including Eric Lauer.

The Jays haven’t played particularly well in recent days, dropping consecutive series to the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. The piling injuries and illnesses haven’t helped, either.

Scherzer, who signed late in camp, appeared like a rotation luxury at one point. Now, every pitcher is crucial for the Jays. They’ve already had to sign veteran starter Patrick Corbin, who threw 75 pitches in Low A over the weekend, and are closely monitoring Yesavage and other rehabbing starters for when they can return.

While all attention was on a World Series rematch between Los Angeles and Toronto, a growing injured list is the Jays’ biggest problem right now.

This story will be updated.