Max Scherzer Speaks on Blue Jays Future

The Toronto Blue Jays will not be in the postseason.

Following their 4-2 loss in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Max Scherzer got the start and allowed four runs over five innings, while recording seven strikeouts and three walks. Although respectable, the 42-year-old’s effort was not enough.

After the loss and subsequent postseason elimination, Scherzer expressed disappointment and took responsibility for his performance on Wednesday and throughout the season.

“Instead of pointing the finger at everybody else, I’ll point the finger at myself and what I’ve done this year,” Scherzer said. “I wasn’t necessarily good in the first half. I’ve been better here in the second half, but on a day like today when we lose a ball game, I got beat on one pitch here. I feel like I’ve said that a lot, but that’s the big leagues.”

Scherzer’s 10.23 ERA over six starts before the All-Star break, compared to his 4.53 ERA over 11 starts after it, certainly backs that up.

Injuries, however, have also been a defining factor for “Mad Max” in 2026. Right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation, and back spasms have all limited the likely future Hall of Famer to just 17 starts this season, in which he is 3-9 with a 6.14 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.

But Scherzer may not be done in 2026. Before his start on Wednesday, manager John Schneider revealed that the veteran right-hander may pitch one more time on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.

“There’s a chance he comes back on Sunday. That’s what the initial plan was,” Schneider said pregame. “I know it’s a day shorter, but we’ll see how today goes and figure that out in the next couple of days. We kind of wanted to get him one more.”