Max Scherzer heads to IL as Blue Jays’ injury woes continue

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Michael Coyle | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 3:19 PM ET

Another day, another Toronto Blue Jays injury.

On Monday afternoon, the Blue Jays announced that pitcher Max Scherzer is heading to the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. In a corresponding move, right-hander Chase Lee was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo.

Scherzer has struggled for most of the campaign after re-signing with the Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million contract back on March 2. Through five starts, the 41-year-old Scherzer is 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. The right-hander has not missed many bats this season, striking out only 10 hitters through his first 18 2/3 innings of the season.

While the season got off to a strong start for Scherzer, posting a line of 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 4K against the Colorado Rockies on March 31, the rest has been a struggle.

In Scherzer’s second start, he was forced to depart after only two innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to his first flare-up of forearm tendonitis. At the time, Scherzer was confident he’d be able to avoid an IL stint, but just under a month later, his fate has changed.

ROSTER MOVES:

RHP Max Scherzer placed on 15-day IL (right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation)

RHP Chase Lee recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight pic.twitter.com/fEMisHJuxb

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 27, 2026

In Scherzer’s most recent outing, Friday night against the Cleveland Guardians, Scherzer was tagged with the loss after going 2 1/3 innings and allowing seven earned runs, including three homers. With the pitching picture becoming more crowded, the injury allows the Blue Jays to assess the state of the pitching staff as they try to shore up the backend of their rotation.

Scherzer was originally scheduled to make his next start on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox, so Eric Lauer could draw another start after being moved to make room in the rotation for Trey Yesavage’s return.

Taking his place on the active roster is Chase Lee, who was acquired from the Detroit Tigers on December 12 in exchange for minor-league pitcher Johan Simon. The reliever made his MLB debut last season with the Tigers, appearing in 32 games and posting a record of 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.

Lee had gotten off to a strong start with the Bisons through nine outings this year. The 27-year-old to this point has posted an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.46 while striking out 12 batters across 13 2/3 innings. The Blue Jays announced Lee would be active for tonight’s series opener against the Red Sox.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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