Blue Jays News: 1 Pitcher DFA'd, Another Put on IL After Disastrous Game

It wasn't a great Saturday for the Toronto Blue Jays, who have lost two pitchers after the results of their 9-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Max Scherzer, who made his first start for Toronto, has been placed on the injured list after pitching just three innings.

And Richard Lovelady, who replaced him in the 4th inning, surrendering four earned runs in that frame, has been designated for assignment.

ROSTER MOVES:

🔹 We’ve selected the contract of LHP Mason Fluharty - he will be active for today’s game and wear number 68

🔹 LHP Richard Lovelady designated for assignment

🔹 RHP Tommy Nance has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/iigwfNZmDj
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 30, 2025

The decision to keep Lovelady on the roster coming out of camp was already a controversial one, as the left-hander posted an ugly 6.48 ERA in spring training, allowing three home runs and seven earned runs in just 8.1 innings. Now he gets DFA'd with a 21.60 ERA after just 1.2 innings of work in the young season.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Jays have selected the contract of LHP Mason Fluharty. Easton Lucas has been called up as well.

As for Scherzer, he was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday because of inflammation in his right thumb, which the 40-year-old said led to his right lat soreness that forced him from Saturday's game.

"Hopefully this kind of resets him and knocks it out," manager John Schneider said of the thumb issue which has dogged Scherzer throughout the spring. "We obviously need him. Elite pitcher, and we want him to feel his best."

"This thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health," Scherzer added. "I've got to get this 100% before I pitch again."

Toronto signed the three-time Cy Young winner to a one-year, $15.5 million contract this past winter.