Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer won't start against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday after he was placed on the injured list with back spasms, the team announced hours before the game.
Reliever Braydon Fisher will get the ball in Scherzer's place as an opener.
Scherzer returned to the Blue Jays' rotation June 10 to make one start after a six-week stint on the IL with a forearm strain. He recorded the 3,500th strikeout of his career in that outing but also allowed five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.
The 19-year veteran said he's "frustrated" by the back spasms but "has the utmost belief" he can help the Blue Jays win when he returns from the IL, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
Max Scherzer said he woke up Monday with spasms in the middle of his back on the left side. Got some treatment on the off day, played catch yesterday and it was still there this morning.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 17, 2026
“This is a time thing, he said. “It’s a back spasm. It's nothing more than that.”
Scherzer owns a a career-worst 10.23 ERA this season.
Right-hander Chad Dallas was recalled from Triple-A to take Scherzer's spot on the active roster.
