The Toronto Blue Jays placed Max Scherzer on the 15-day injured list with back spasms, another hit to an MLB rotation that has spent much of the season working around injuries. MLB Trade Rumors reported the move, citing the Blue Jays' announcement.
The placement is retroactive to June 14, and right-hander Chad Dallas was recalled in the corresponding move. Scherzer had been scheduled to start before the back issue sent him back to the injured list.
Max Scherzer Returns To Blue Jays IL
It is Scherzer's second IL stint of the season. The 41-year-old right-hander previously missed about six weeks from late April to early June because of right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, then returned to make one start before the latest setback.
The results around the absences have been difficult. Scherzer has made six starts and thrown 22 innings this season, allowing 25 earned runs. MLB Trade Rumors noted his 10.8 percent walk rate and 13.7 percent strikeout rate are both moving in the wrong direction by his career standards.
Toronto Rotation Remains Short-Handed
The Blue Jays' rotation picture has been unstable beyond Scherzer. Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage have also spent time on the injured list, while José Berríos, Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce are done for the year, according to the source.
That has pushed Toronto into frequent bullpen games. Reliever Braydon Fisher was set to start as an opener, with Dallas a candidate to cover multiple innings. Simeon Woods Richardson and Spencer Miles were also mentioned as possible bulk options.
There could be help coming, but not without another check. Shane Bieber, who has been out all season with elbow inflammation, made his fifth rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo and threw 80 pitches over five innings. He allowed four walks and five earned runs, so the next step depends on how he responds in the coming days.