Max Scherzer Returns to 15-Day IL With Back Spasms

Max Scherzer is back on the 15-day injured list with back spasms, and the Blue Jays made the move retroactive to June 14. It is his second injured list stint of the season, coming after he had just returned and made one start.

Blue Jays Rotate Again

Chad Dallas was recalled in the corresponding move, while Braydon Fisher was set to open the game. The Blue Jays are again shifting the pitching plan around Scherzer, who had been scheduled to make another start the night of the report before the setback sent him back to the injured list.

The 41-year-old had already missed about six weeks from late April to early June with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. He came off the injured list in June, then lasted only one outing before this latest move reset his season again.

Scherzer's Short Run

The results through six starts have been rough. Scherzer has thrown 22 innings, allowed 25 earned runs, and posted a 10.8% walk rate and a 13.7% strikeout rate in that stretch.

That line explains why the Blue Jays have had to keep adjusting. He was one of several rotation injuries pushing the club into frequent bullpen games, and this latest IL trip removes another arm from a staff that had not yet found any stability.

Shane Bieber Rebuilds

Shane Bieber was also in the picture on the same day, making his fifth rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo. He threw 80 pitches over five innings, a step forward for a pitcher the Blue Jays still have to work back into their rotation picture.

For now, the immediate change is simple: Dallas joins the roster, Fisher handles the opener role, and Scherzer waits out another injured list stay after just one start back. The Blue Jays do not have the veteran right-hander available, and the rotation keeps moving without him.