IL stint delays Blue Jays' decision on Max Scherzer

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

IL stint delays Blue Jays' decision on Max Scherzer, who needs a reality check

By David Hill | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 6:56 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays bought themselves some time with pitcher Max Scherzer.

The Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that Scherzer was placed on the injured list due to back spasms. Scherzer had previously spent approximately six weeks on the IL due to right forearm tendonitis and left ankle inflammation.

Scherzer's 2026 season has been a disaster when he has been able to take the mound. He has posted a 10.23 ERA and a 1.727 WHIP over his 22 innings, striking out 14 batters with 11 walks.

Opponents have posted a .303/.382/.629 batting line in 102 plate appearances against Scherzer, hitting nine homers.

ROSTER MOVES:

RHP Max Scherzer placed on 15-day IL (back spasms, retroactive to June 14)

RHP Chad Dallas recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight pic.twitter.com/OrHJlN4hxG
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 17, 2026

Max Scherzer still thinks he can help Blue Jays this season

Neither the results nor health have been there for Scherzer this season. Nonetheless, he still feels he can be a productive pitcher, saying that he "has the utmost belief" he can contribute to the Blue Jays.

Max Scherzer said it’s just rest for his spasm, which popped up on the weekend. Been a frustrating year, but:

“I absolutely have the utmost belief that I can be out there, I can be pitching, I can be helping the team win. Nothing that has happened has changed that.”#BlueJays
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) June 17, 2026

Scherzer may be the only person who still believes that. He has spent time on the IL each in season since 2021. His performance has steadily declined since the start of the 2022 season. At 41 years old, it is difficult to imagine that Scherzer will suddenly become more durable or return to his previously dominant form.

The Blue Jays likely have a replacement for Scherzer as pitcher Shane Bieber is closing in on a return from his own IL stint. Unless the Blue Jays believe that a healthy Scherzer can be a viable option in their rotation, the end may be coming whether he wants to admit it or not.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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