Max Scherzer exits early with right lat soreness as Blue Jays debut goes south quickly

New year, new team, more of the same frustration for Max Scherzer.The future Hall of Famer lasted just three innings and 45 pitches Saturday in his debut for the Blue Jays, whom he joined during the offseason.Scherzer was lifted due to right lat soreness, the team announced.He had been scheduled to throw about 80 pitches, according to MLB.comScherzer, who had reportedly dealt with a thumb issue in spring training, was visibly frustrated in the dugout as he put down his glove between innings.The three-time Cy Young Award winner missed the end of the 2023 regular season with a teres major strain after he was traded from the Mets to the Rangers.

He was activated for the postseason and started Game 3 of the World Series en route to earning a ring even though he was shut down a second time due to a back strain.Scherzer started just nine games for the Rangers last season — making a delayed season debut on June 23 after offseason surgery to correct a herniated disc.He also dealt with thumb and nerve issues throughout the season.Despite all those red flags that the 40-year-old former ace was breaking down, the Blue Jays inked Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million contract in free agency.So, it can’t be a total surprise — just a nightmare —  that he pitched three innings against the Orioles, allowing two runs on three hits.

He struck out one.“It’s a little thing that’s a big thing,” Scherzer said before taking the mound.“I’m not going to lie: It’s frustrating.

Because I know I can pitch at this level.I know I can still pitch at a very high level as well.

I know I have the pitches that I can execute and I can locate.“But right now, it’s a thumb issue, and I’m going to be battling it until I’m fully built up.”...