Scherzer exits after just two innings, adding injury concerns to Blue Jays' rotation

Max Scherzer exited prematurely today, throwing just two innings and 36 pitches in the home matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another layer of concern to the already injury-heavy Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation.

Scherzer's velocity declined early, and Teoscar Hernández blasted a two-run homer off him. There were no obvious signs on the mound indicating Scherzer had an issue, but before the top of the third inning began, manager John Schneider approached the umpire to notify him that his starter's day was done.

A flu outbreak in the Blue Jays locker room recently might also be a contributing factor. Eric Lauer contracted a severe flu last weekend in Chicago, his start was postponed one day to Monday, and he also only pitched two innings.

This starting rotation currently has four starters on the injury list, including Trey Yesavage (right shoulder impingement), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation), José Barrios (right elbow stress fracture), and Cody Ponce (right knee ACL sprain). Naturally, the burden shifts to the bullpen, forced to consume pitchers earlier than anyone planned to cover innings.

Last weekend in Chicago, Lazaro Estrada stepped up, pitching four scoreless innings in a long relief role on Sunday, then was sent back down to AAA Buffalo. On Monday, Austin Voth provided 2.2 innings of relief for the Blue Jays, but he was designated for assignment on Tuesday to clear a spot for Josh Fleming, who replaced Scherzer.

Further updates on Scherzer's injury status are expected to follow.