The Toronto Blue Jays have already found Max Scherzer's replacement
Photo credit: Fox News
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer was forced to leave the game after three innings of work due to soreness in his right lat which has led Fansided to predict who will replace him if he misses time.
There are many choices that the Blue Jays could turn to early in the season but likely, the Blue Jays would look to bullpen pitcher Yariel Rodriguez to fill in for Scherzer until he is ready to come back.
Rodriguez worked as starting pitcher for Blue Jays last season
Rodriguez had played as the starting pitcher for the Blue Jays last year and struggled as he went further into the game.
During the 2024 regular season, he had a record of 1-8 and an ERA of 4.47. He pitched 86.2 innings with a WHIP of 1.32.
Today is the perfect storm for the #BlueJays' bullpen. Their depth is already stretched thin and Scherzer left after three. Those middle innings are the danger zone. And it only gets thinner if Yariel Rodriguez needs to make some starts.
Rodriguez who began his career with the Blue Jays in 2024 signed a five-year deal worth $32 million on February 9th. Many Blue Jays fans feel that Rodriguez will be a big question mark for the team and remains to be seen on how he will adapt and improve his game if he becomes a starter replacing Scherzer.
"Yariel Rodriguez is someone who they have a lot of hope for... they will probably bring in one more starting pitcher."
The Blue Jays starting rotation depth has been another question mark for general manager Ross Atkins as the team has had some struggles with their pitching during spring training.
The depth question also was exacerbated earlier last week when Blue Jays tryout picture Ryan Yarbrough was not signed and later landed a deal with the New York Yankees.
Blue Jays hope Scherzer injury will be a short-term issue
The Blue Jays hope that Max Scherzer's injury will be a short-term issue despite having lingering trouble with his thumb. Likely, the Blue Jays would let him sit his next start to get treatment for his thumb and allow his lat to heal.
The Blue Jays have one game remaining against the Orioles as they closeout their first series of the year.
The team will then have a three-game series against the Washington Nationals before going on the road for an extended road trip before returning to Rogers Centre on April 14th when they face the Atlanta Braves.
Game time for the Orioles will be 1:37 PM eastern on March 30th.
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