Scherzer’s Rough Night Raises Blue Jays Playoff Rotation Questions
When Max Scherzer took the mound in Kansas City on Friday night, there was an expectation that the veteran ace would help push the Toronto Blue Jays closer to a postseason berth. Instead, it turned into one of the roughest outings of his career. What was supposed to be a celebratory night quickly shifted into damage control.
This was Scherzer’s 473rd career start, but it might be remembered as one of his most forgettable. He couldn’t make it out of the first inning, recording just two outs before being pulled. By that time, seven runs had already crossed the plate, tying the most he’s ever allowed in a single inning across his 18 years in the majors. For context, the only start shorter in his career was back in 2021, and that one ended early due to injury. This time, he was simply hit hard.
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The Kansas City Royals wasted no time jumping on him, and the biggest blow came off the bat of Salvador Perez. After an early mound visit by pitching coach Pete Walker—who was ejected moments later for arguing balls and strikes—Perez crushed a three-run homer to right-center field. Two batters later, Michael Massey added a two-run shot of his own, and Scherzer’s pitch count ballooned to 45 before the inning was over.
By the end of the night, the Blue Jays had been handed a stunning 20–1 defeat. Fans had come in thinking about a possible clinch celebration, but instead, the team left the field facing new questions. Scherzer’s ERA now sits at 5.06, and he has given up 18 home runs across just 80 innings this year. In his past five outings, the numbers have been especially alarming: a 9.45 ERA with seven home runs allowed in only 20 innings.
For Toronto, the loss was ugly, but it doesn’t erase their playoff hopes. At 89–65, they still control their own path, with a chance to clinch as early as Saturday. But the timing of Scherzer’s struggles is what makes this moment so critical. Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber appear to be locked in as the top two starters heading into the ALDS, but beyond that, things are less certain.
Rookie Trey Yesavage has made a rapid climb through the system and could earn a rotation spot with a strong finish, but after Scherzer’s rough showing, the fourth spot is as unsettled as ever. José Berríos, meanwhile, was already warming in the bullpen during the blowout, a sign that the coaching staff might be preparing for different scenarios in October.
At 41 years old, Scherzer’s experience and reputation still matter, and it’s possible he’ll be used in a hybrid role—maybe starting, maybe coming out of the bullpen—once the postseason begins. But what was expected to be a night of momentum instead left the Blue Jays with more uncertainty. With October approaching fast, the margin for error is shrinking, and Toronto is still searching for answers.
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