Buck Martinez shares thoughts on Max Scherzer's struggles in his second stint with Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Sportsnet 590 The Fan - https://x.com/FAN590
Recently retired broadcaster Buck Martinez shares his thoughts on Max Scherzer's struggles in his second go around with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Our old friend Buck Martinez made a rare appearance to discuss the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.
In an interview on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, Martinez spoke with Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker about the team’s slow start, ongoing injuries, and Max Scherzer’s current challenges.
Martinez focused on the difficulties Scherzer has faced early in the season, noting the reality of a 41-year-old pitcher managing injuries over the course of a demanding 162-game schedule.
He also highlighted the veteran’s value off the field, particularly in mentoring teammates and contributing to the pitching staff even when he’s not actively pitching.
When asked by Blair to put on his “manager’s cap” and explain how he would handle Scherzer at this stage of his career, Martinez acknowledged the complexity of the situation.
"Ya, it's tough. He comes out of his second start with forearm issues, and then obviously he didn't have great stuff, and you know we saw this last year. Martinez said. Last year it was the thumb, Max has had a hall of fame career. His presence in the dugout when he's not pitching is worth something." He can help so many position players and pitchers just understanding the game the way he does."
"But it is very difficult to count on him day in and day out. We saw what he could do at the end of the season when he is well rested, in short stints there might not be a better guy to put on the mound late in the season than Max Scherzer."
But the question is: Can he get there?"
Everybody is rooting for him, the Blue Jays have confidence, that is why they signed him. But it is a challenge."
"But it is very difficult to count on him day in and day out. We saw what he could do at the end of the season when he is well rested, in short stints there might not be a better guy to put on the mound late in the season than Max Scherzer."
But the question is: Can he get there?"
Everybody is rooting for him, the Blue Jays have confidence, that is why they signed him. But it is a challenge."
Scherzer emphasized accountability, and having to be better going forward
In his last outing, Scherzer struggled, allowing eight runs on five hits over 2.1 innings.
He also issued two walks and recorded three strikeouts, throwing 68 pitches, 41 of them for strikes.
Following the game, Scherzer took full responsibility for his lack of command and execution.
“Today I got beat on walks and missed execution,” said Scherzer. “I can look at myself in the mirror and I'm accountable for how I go out there and how I execute, and today I didn't get it done.”
The veteran right-hander noted that his forearm was not a problem during the outing and said it loosened up as the game went on.
However, he stopped short of confirming that he has fully moved past his tendinitis, explaining that he still needs to evaluate how his arm responds.
Scherzer emphasized accountability, both individually and as a team, regardless of injuries.
“Whether it’s his own ailment or the collective injuries of the team, Scherzer said “there’s no excuses in this game” and that there are opportunities for “somebody else to come up here and show what they can do.”
“Whether you're hurt or not, no one cares,” he added. “This is about going out there and winning ballgames. And so, everybody has got to be accountable for what you do, and you got to be accountable for how we're playing. And we gotta play better.”
The Blue Jays now have a day off before beginning a nine-game road trip that will take them through Milwaukee, Arizona, and Los Angeles.
The trip includes a stop to face the Los Angeles Angels before the team returns home on April 24.
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