The Toronto Blue Jays suffered another frustrating loss on Friday, falling 8-6 to the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre. The defeat was largely due to a disastrous outing from veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who lasted just 2.1 innings while surrendering seven runs.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been ineffective through his first five starts of the season. His ERA ballooned to 9.64 after allowing six hits and three home runs against the Guardians. The 41-year-old right-hander struggled with control and hard contact, exiting the game with his head hung low after a nightmarish performance.
The conversation surrounding Scherzer has shifted from his pursuit of 3,500 career strikeouts to his ability to remain in the starting rotation. With youngsters Trey Yesavage and veteran Jose Berrios nearing returns from the injured list, the Blue Jays may soon have to make a tough decision about Scherzer's role.
Adding to the team's woes, outfielder Nathan Lukes left the game with left hamstring discomfort after hitting a leadoff double. Lukes had been one of the team's hottest hitters, and his potential absence compounds the injury issues already facing the Jays, with George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger sidelined.
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for Toronto. Third baseman Kazuma Okamoto hit a 430-foot solo home run in the second inning, his fourth of the season. First baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. recorded an RBI in his 1,000th career game. The Blue Jays will look to bounce back on Saturday with Kevin Gausman on the mound.
