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Jun 18, 20261
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Scherzer Returns to IL with Back Spasms, Complicating Blue Jays Rotation

Max Scherzer was placed on the injured list for the second time this season due to back spasms, just hours before a scheduled start against the Red Sox. The 41-year-old pitcher characterized the injury as non-structural but expressed frustration with his injury-plagued season, while the Blue Jays navigate rotation decisions with Shane Bieber's imminent return.
Quick Facts
Who
Max Scherzer
What
Scherzer placed on injured list with back spasms
When
Wednesday (June 18, 2026)
Where
Fenway Park
- Scherzer placed on injured list with back spasms
- Scherzer described the injury as non-structural
- Scherzer made one start since previous IL activation
- Bieber worked on rehab outing
- Chad Dallas recalled from Triple-A Buffalo
Max Scherzer was placed back on the injured list just hours before a crucial start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Wednesday, marking his second IL stint this season. The veteran pitcher was sidelined with back spasms, which he described as a non-structural issue affecting the middle of his left back. This injury follows earlier stints dealing with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, creating ongoing challenges to his availability and consistency.
Scherzer emphasized that the spasm itself is not a major concern, but uncertainty surrounds his recovery timeline and whether a rehab assignment will be necessary. The pitcher acknowledged the frustration of his injury-plagued season, stating he is taking matters "a day at a time" and focusing on getting healthy. At age 41, Scherzer remains determined to help the Blue Jays compete, expressing unwavering belief in his ability to contribute despite the mounting physical setbacks.
The 41-year-old has struggled significantly this season, posting a 10.23 ERA over six starts with only one appearance since his previous IL activation on June 10. Two starts reached six innings, while the other four were cut short due to injuries or workload management, ranging from two to 3⅓ innings. Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted the difficulty in evaluating Scherzer's performance given the lack of consistency, pointing to a late spring training arrival that disrupted his preparation.
Scherzer's latest injury comes at a complicated time for Toronto's rotation. Shane Bieber, the team's ace, is working his way back from his own forearm and elbow issues with a rehab outing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Bieber's return would force the Blue Jays to make roster decisions, potentially between Scherzer and veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin, who has allowed 11 earned runs over 11⅔ innings in his last three starts. With Scherzer now unavailable, rookie Chad Dallas was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to provide pitching depth.
Topics
Why This Matters
Scherzer's recurring injuries undermine Toronto's rotation stability at a critical juncture when Bieber's return forces immediate roster decisions. For Blue Jays fans and fantasy players tracking the team, this signals ongoing depth concerns and potential reliance on less-proven arms like Chad Dallas. The collision of injury management and rotation hierarchy directly impacts playoff positioning and playoff readiness.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 10, 2026
WireScherzer's previous IL activation
Jun 18, 2026
WireChad Dallas recalled from Triple-A Buffalo; Bieber's rehab outing with Triple-A Buffalo
Jun 18, 2026
WireScherzer placed on IL with back spasms, hours before scheduled start vs Red Sox