"Max Scherzer Leaves First Appearance with Blue Jays Early Due to Lat Injury, Only Pitches Three Innings Against Orioles"

Max Scherzer's first appearance for the Toronto Blue Jays was shortened on Saturday as the experienced right-hander departed after just three innings with discomfort in his lat muscle against the Baltimore Orioles.

Scherzer tallied one strikeout on 45 pitches, surrendering two home runs in the opening frame, including one to Colton Cowser on his second delivery of the game. After Toronto tied the score in the bottom of the inning, Scherzer settled in and held the Orioles scoreless over the next two frames. The Blue Jays added two runs in the third to take a 4-2 lead.

However, after Scherzer's departure, Toronto struggled to contain Baltimore. The Orioles scored four runs in the fourth and added two more in the sixth to seize control.

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The potential future Hall-of-Famer had to delay a spring training start due to discomfort in his thumb. Toronto has listed Scherzer as day-to-day until further evaluation.

A two-time World Series champion, Scherzer agreed to a one-year $15.5 million deal with the Blue Jays in January after posting a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA last season with the Texas Rangers. It was the lowest number of wins in Scherzer's career since his rookie year in 2008.

Scherzer ranks second among active MLB pitchers with 216 career wins. The eight-time All-Star has earned three Cy Young Awards and thrown two no-hitters in his illustrious career.