The Toronto Blue Jays finally found a way to stop the bleeding on Sunday, snapping a two-game skid with an 8-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. After falling flat in the first two matchups, Toronto’s bats came alive to avoid being swept, with timely hits across the lineup powering them past the team with the best record in baseball.
For the Blue Jays, it was the kind of statement win needed to steady their momentum in the final month of the season. But even with the encouraging result, there was a worrying moment that overshadowed the win as veteran Max Scherzer was forced to leave the game after just four innings.
With concerns mounting over the eight-time All-Star's condition, manager John Schneider provided an update after the game, confirming that the veteran exited with upper back tightness (h/t Hazel Mae of SportsNet).
Speaking afterward, Scherzer backed Schneider’s decision to pull him, admitting he did not feel right on the mound.
“Schneids made the right move to pull me in that situation. It was just something I had to deal with. I wasn’t the guy today, but the rest of the team picked me up. That’s the great news here,” Scherzer said (via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson).
Max Scherzer was dealing with some upper back tightness today:
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 31, 2025
“Schneids made the right move to pull me in that situation. It was just something I had to deal with. I wasn’t the guy today, but the rest of the team picked me up. That’s the great news here.” #BlueJays
Scherzer’s outing reflected the struggles he has faced all year. He allowed a season-high nine hits and four runs, lasting only four innings before handing things over to the bullpen. While the Blue Jays offense responded to cover his mistakes, the sight of Scherzer leaving early was unsettling for a club that has already dealt with his injury issues.
The 41-year-old signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal in the offseason but has battled setbacks since Opening Day. His season debut on March 29 ended after right lat soreness forced him off the mound. Later, inflammation in his right thumb sidelined him for a long stretch and eventually led to a 60-day injured list stint.
These recurring problems have tested Toronto’s rotation depth all season. Spot starters and bullpen arms have kept the team afloat, but Scherzer was expected to provide stability at the top of the rotation. Instead, his availability has become a question that looms over the team’s playoff push.
Even with Scherzer’s unavailability, the Blue Jays have managed to stay in control of the American League race. They lead the league at 79-58 with just 25 games remaining, and expectations are high for a deep playoff run. A healthy Scherzer could make the difference between another early exit and a genuine championship push. His postseason pedigree and ability to control big moments remain valuable assets—if he can stay on the mound.
The Blue Jays’ hopes rest on balancing their surging offense with a rotation that has been anything but steady.
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