In a shocking turn of events, the Toronto Blue Jays have placed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer on the injured list due to right thumb inflammation. This announcement came just one day after Scherzer’s ill-fated debut for the team, where he struggled against the Baltimore Orioles, yielding two solo home runs in just three innings pitched. Originally thought to be experiencing right lat soreness, it has now become evident that Scherzer’s issues stem from his thumb.

The 38-year-old pitcher is expected to see a hand specialist on Monday to assess the full extent of the injury, as confirmed by Blue Jays manager John Schneider. Scherzer expressed his frustration, stating, "This is 100% related to the thumb ... I'm frustrated. I want to pitch. I've got to get this 100% before I pitch again."

This is not the first time Scherzer has faced injury challenges. Back in Spring Training, he was already dealing with a thumb problem which raised concerns prior to the season's start. Scherzer's initial plan was to throw approximately 80 pitches on Saturday, but he was forced to exit after only 45 due to discomfort.

To fill the void left by Scherzer, the Blue Jays have recalled left-hander Easton Lucas from Triple-A Buffalo. The team’s rotation has quality starters, including Jose Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, but their depth remains a concern. As Scherzer’s health situation continues to unfold, Lucas or Yariel Rodríguez, who started the season with the bullpen but had a rough outing on Opening Day, may need to step up in the starting rotation.

The Blue Jays are presently struggling, with their record dropping to 1-2 after their latest loss, compounded by their pitching staff's alarming statistic of 10 home runs allowed in just 27 innings of play.

As Scherzer approaches his 41st birthday this July, his recent performance and health issues hark back to a difficult previous season in which he was limited to just nine starts due to back surgery and shoulder troubles. Having sustained a teres major muscle strain last September and returning just in time to assist the Texas Rangers in the postseason, questions are looming over whether Scherzer can still remain the effective ace he once was. Can the Blue Jays rally back, or will injuries continue to plague their quest for success this season?