Scherzer leaves game with an apparent injury

While it's currently unknown whether or not Scherzer's problematic right thumb was the cause, it seems to reason that it at least played a role.

Scherzer missed one start during Spring Training because of his thumb, although he later threw 62 pitches in an extended minor league game, before making his final start of the spring.

Additionally, Scherzer only managed nine games last year as he dealt with a nerve that went all the way from his thumb to his upper arm.

It's a worrisome development for the Blue Jays so early in the season. While the Blue Jays do have options at both the major league and minor league level, their depth isn't as strong as it was at the start of spring due to injuries to Erik Swanson, Adam Macko, and Adam Kloffenstein.

If Scherzer is unable to make his next start, the most logical choice to start in his place would be Yariel Rodriguez. If an IL stint is required then Jake Bloss or potentially Eric Lauer would be next man up, though a corresponding roster move would be needed for the latter.

After Scherzer left the game, Richard Lovelady came in and gave up four runs in the top of the fourth.

An update was later issues stating that Scherzer left the game with right lat soreness. So while it's not the thumb directly, his injury from last season affected that whole side and area of the body.

The Blue Jays are obviously concerned and will be monitoring the situation closely.