Max Scherzer lands on IL with forearm and ankle injuries

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Max Scherzer lands on IL with forearm and ankle injuries

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 4:40 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays veteran starting pitcher Max Scherzer has been placed on the 15-day IL with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. They have recalled Chase Lee to provide bullpen depth as a middle reliever.

The 41-year-old has been playing through these injuries, which have led to a skyrocketing 9.64 ERA across five starts. He's struggled with giving up the long ball (six this season).

His worst outing was against the Cleveland Guardians on April 24, where he gave up seven runs and three homers in the Blue Jays' 8-6 loss.

Max Scherzer bites the dust

Scherzer was already feeling forearm discomfort following his seven-run debacle in which he also failed to record a strikeout. Scherzer threw 38 first-inning pitches, racking up his pitch count very early into the game.

Max Scherzer placed on 15-day IL with right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) April 27, 2026

Injuries have not been kind to the Blue Jays this season. As soon as players return from injuries, new ones pop up with Nathan Lukes (hamstring strain) and now Scherzer joining the IL.

It was expected that if Scherzer could remain healthy, his role would become critical in the rotation with several starters injured. With Trey Yesavage back and Jose Berrios soon following, the rotation will gain more of its elite arms back.

Scherzer's struggles have stemmed from reduced velocity and giving up a lot of hard contact. He's failed to pitch more than three innings in three of his five starts this season.

The injuries have also contributed to a low strikeout rate (11.9%) and have prevented him from reaching a major career milestone of 3,500 strikeouts. He remains one strikeout shy of the mark, and now he'll have to wait a while for his next opportunity.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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