Max-imum effort from veteran Scherzer spoiled in Blue Jays' extra-innings loss to Cleveland Guardians

National Post

4 hours ago

At Cleveland's Progressive Field, veteran Max Scherzer made progress.
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As long as his troublesome right thumb holds up, the Jays' starting rotation can only get better and definitely deeper.
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In his second appearance with the Blue Jays, the veteran Scherzer gave up a nine-pitch walk to Guardians leadoff hitter Steven Kwan, who saw a four-seam fastball, changeup, cutter and sinker.
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When Scherzer faced No. 2 hitter Kyle Manzardo, he began the at-bat with a curveball.
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His competitive juices were palpable, but his near three-month injury absence was also evident.
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Scherzer's 25-pitch first inning featured three strikeouts and one run yielded.
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His fastball touched 95.2 m.p.h.
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In the second inning, Daniel Schneeman hit a sharply hit ball into centre field on the first pitch, but it would be erased on a double play.
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Six pitches were required to retire the side in the second inning for Scherzer.
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One pitch to Mississauga's Bo Naylor would usher in the third inning.
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In his second time through the order, Scherzer needed two pitches to retire Kwan.
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Scherzer began to feel more at ease, even when issuing his second free pass on the evening.
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Through three innings, Scherzer looked much better than the three innings he managed to produce in his debut.
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His sharpness wasn't where it needed to be, but it was to be expected.
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His trademark fire was unmistakable.
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Admittedly, Scherzer isn't certain how his hand will respond, which is why the term day to day truly applies to his availability.
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If he can stay healthy, a big if it must be noted, coupled with the emergence of Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays may finally have a legitimate five-man rotation.
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Scherzer, not surprisingly, attacked hitters.
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He was called for a pitch count violation that resulted in a walk as Scherzer had runners on the corner with two outs in the fourth inning.
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It proved costly as Scherzer gave up a two-run double to Gabriel Arias off a fastball that caught far too much of the plate to give Cleveland a 3-1 lead.