Did Blue Jays' $15.5M Star Just Hand the Division Title to the Yankees?

As the Toronto Blue Jays struggle to maintain their lead in the AL East, a concerning trend has emerged following two disappointing losses against the Tampa Bay Rays. With their lead over the New York Yankees dwindling to just three games and a troubling performance against the Kansas City Royals, the Blue Jays are facing mounting pressure as the postseason approaches.

Last updated: 21 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Blue Jays' lead in the AL East has shrunk to three games following two losses to the Rays.
• Max Scherzer's recent outing against the Royals raised alarms, as he was pulled after allowing seven runs in just 2/3 of an inning.
• Scherzer's struggles have led to fan frustration, questioning his role in the upcoming playoffs.
• The Blue Jays' bullpen now faces increased pressure, potentially impacting their performance in future games.
• Concerns about the Yankees capitalising on the Blue Jays' misfortunes loom large.

Recent Performance: A Downward Trend

Throughout July and August, the Blue Jays enjoyed a comfortable lead in the AL East, often peaking at five or six games ahead of their closest competitors. However, recent performances suggest a worrying downward trend. The team has lost crucial games, including two against the Rays, allowing the Yankees to close in rapidly.

As it stands, the Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. The ongoing game against the Royals has seen them fall to an alarming 10-1 deficit by the bottom of the sixth inning. With such a significant gap, fans are understandably anxious about the team's playoff prospects.

Max Scherzer's Disappointing Outing

In a critical game against the Royals, veteran pitcher Max Scherzer was called upon by manager John Schneider to deliver a strong performance. This start was particularly significant, as it represented the Blue Jays' first chance to secure a playoff spot. Unfortunately, Scherzer's outing quickly turned into a nightmare.

After recording only two outs, Scherzer surrendered a staggering seven runs, leaving the team in a dire situation. According to MLB insider Keegan Matheson, Scherzer's struggles included giving up seven hits—two of which were home runs—while walking one batter. He threw a total of 45 pitches, but his inability to manage the Royals' lineup effectively forced the team to rely on their bullpen much earlier than expected.

Historical Context of Scherzer’s Performance

This outing marked only the second time in Scherzer's illustrious career that he allowed seven runs in a single inning, and the second time he was pulled before completing three outs. Such statistics illustrate the magnitude of the collapse and serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Blue Jays.

Fan Reactions and Concerns

Frustration among Blue Jays fans has reached a boiling point. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment in Scherzer's performance, with some calling for his removal from the rotation. Comments like “For all his tough talk, he sure is useless. Goodbye, old man” reflect the sentiment of fans who expected more from a pitcher with Scherzer's pedigree.

At 41 years old, Scherzer is undoubtedly past his prime. His previous accolades, including an impressive 18-7 record and a 2.53 ERA in 2018, now seem like distant memories. Additionally, the back injury that limited his appearances last year appears to have had lasting effects on his performance this season.

Playoff Prospects: Is Scherzer Still a Viable Option?

Despite the current concerns, there remains a possibility that Scherzer could take the mound during the playoffs. Reports from Sportsnaut suggest that the Blue Jays' playoff rotation may still include him alongside Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman. This is largely due to Scherzer's vast postseason experience, which includes two World Series championships and a strong 4-1 record in playoff appearances last month.

However, fan confidence is waning. Many express doubt about Scherzer's ability to effectively contribute in high-pressure games, with comments highlighting the need for a different approach in the postseason: “He cannot be a starter in the playoffs” and “If we get to the postseason, he should not be there” are sentiments shared by numerous supporters.

The Impact on the Bullpen

With Scherzer's early exit, the Blue Jays' bullpen now faces the daunting task of covering the majority of the game. The strain this places on relievers could have serious implications for the team's performance in upcoming matchups. Fans have voiced concerns about the potential exhaustion of the bullpen, suggesting that this could lead to further meltdowns in the remaining games of the season.

As one fan aptly noted, “And the pen will now be destroyed for the stretch run. The Yankees are winning the division. It’s written in stone.” This highlights the urgency of the situation, as the Yankees are poised to capitalise on the Blue Jays' misfortunes and possibly overtake them in the standings.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays are at a critical juncture in their season. With a once-comfortable lead dwindling and their recent performances raising alarms, the team must address the underlying issues if they wish to secure a playoff berth. Scherzer's future role in the rotation, coupled with the increased strain on the bullpen, will be pivotal in determining the team's success moving forward.

As fans anxiously await the outcome of the current game against the Royals and the implications for the rest of the season, the question remains: Can the Blue Jays rally to reclaim their position and make a meaningful postseason run despite these challenges? Only time will tell. #BlueJays #MaxScherzer #MLBPlayoffs

FAQs

What is Max Scherzer's current ERA?

As of now, Max Scherzer's ERA stands at 5.06, indicating a decline in his performance this season.

How did the Blue Jays perform against the Rays?

The Blue Jays lost their last two games against the Rays, which has contributed to their shrinking lead in the AL East.

Who are the Blue Jays' potential playoff starters?

The Blue Jays are considering Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and Max Scherzer as potential starters for the playoffs, depending on their performance leading up to the postseason.

What impact does Scherzer's outing have on the bullpen?

Scherzer's early exit places significant strain on the bullpen, as they are required to cover the majority of the game, potentially leading to exhaustion in upcoming matches.

Are fans concerned about Scherzer's performance?

Yes, many fans have expressed frustration and doubt regarding Scherzer's ability to contribute positively, especially in high-stakes games.