Blue Jays Place Max Scherzer on IL, Trade Tyler Heineman to Angels

The Toronto Blue Jays placed pitcher Max Scherzer on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to back issues. According to team reports, the three-time Cy Young winner’s absence leads the club to start reliever Braydon Fisher in Boston against the Red Sox.

Why was Max Scherzer placed on the injured list?

Scherzer is currently sidelined with back trouble. This latest setback follows a period earlier this season where he missed more than a month and a half due to injuries to his left ankle and right forearm.

The right-hander, who turns 42 on July 27, operates under a three-million-dollar contract for the current year. Records for 2026 indicate Scherzer holds a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA across six starts.

Did You Know? Max Scherzer became the 11th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 3,500 strikeouts last week.

Who replaces Scherzer in the Boston rotation?

The Blue Jays will turn to reliever Braydon Fisher to start the upcoming game against the Boston Red Sox. Fisher steps into the role as the team manages Scherzer’s recovery from his back injury.

Why did the Blue Jays trade Tyler Heineman?

Toronto traded catcher Tyler Heineman to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. Heineman spent three seasons with the Toronto organization before the move.

Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer Gets Real About His Forearm Injury

During his time with Toronto this season, Heineman recorded a .154 batting average, one home run, and six RBIs over 31 games.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this move signals a strategic shift toward youth. By moving a veteran with a .154 average, Toronto creates space for rookie Brandon Valenzuela while benefitting from the return of Alejandro Kirk.

The decision to trade Heineman coincides with the return to play of Alejandro Kirk. Additionally, the team opted to keep rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela on the active roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury caused Max Scherzer to join the injured list? He was placed on the 10-day injured list due to back issues.
What were Tyler Heineman’s statistics with the Blue Jays this season? He had a .154 batting average, one home run, and six RBIs in 31 games.
Who is starting for the Blue Jays against the Red Sox? Reliever Braydon Fisher will start the match in Boston.

How do you think the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation will adapt to Scherzer’s recurring injuries?