After losing the last two games in the Rays series, the Blue Jays are now within reach of the Yankees. The comfortable lead the Blue Jays enjoyed through parts of July and August, often reaching five or six games, in the AL East podium seems to be seeing a downward trend. And right now, the lead is reduced to three games against the Yankees. And that’s not all. The ongoing first game against the Royals might be another loss for the Blue Jays. Why? Because at the bottom of the 6th, the Royals are leading 10-1 over the Jays. Well, the fans can’t keep calm anymore.

While the team’s offense, especially Vladimir Guerrero Jr., got called out for faltering at the clutch moments, this time it’s their veteran starter, Max Scherzer. Reportedly, on September 18, Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced that the $15.5 million pitcher would be getting the start against the Royals. And the outing carried some weight, too, as it marked Toronto’s first chance to lock up a playoff spot.

But through six innings, the Jays have already let that golden opportunity slip into a mess.

“Max Scherzer has been lifted after recording just two outs in Kansas City. He’s allowed seven runs and leaves a runner on second. The BlueJays‘ bullpen now needs to carry almost a full game,” MLB insider Keegan Matheson shared the brutal reality from the ongoing game.

So, making his 16th start of the season, Scherzer threw 45 pitches, gave up seven runs on seven hits, including two HRs, and issued a walk. And all these while recording just two outs before handing things over to reliever Braydon Fisher. Moreover, Scherzer didn’t even notch his first out until the seventh batter, when he struck out rookie Jac Caglianone.

Notably, it’s only the second time in his career he’s surrendered seven runs in a single inning, and just the second time he’s been pulled before completing three outs. Hence, you can imagine the reaction from Blue Jays fans. Yes, they are stunned that the team is squandering another game, with their starter yanked so early.

Now the bullpen has to shoulder the entire load, and that kind of strain could leave it gassed for the games ahead.

The Blue Jays veteran gets called out by the fans

Currently, Scherzer’s ERA stands at 5.06, and he has incurred 4 or more runs in four of his last 5 games. Enough for a fan to comment, “For all his tough talk, he sure is useless. Goodbye, old man.” Well, at 41 years, Scherzer is surely past his prime. If you remember, he had an 18-7 record with a 2.53 ERA in 2018 and won consecutive Cy Young Awards. However, with only having 9 starts last year due to a back injury, and such meltdowns this year, fans are giving up on the Blue Jays veteran.

“That’s definitely up there with the worst pitching performance I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything was LAUNCHED,” another fan added. Now the question is whether Scherzer would take the mound in the playoffs. Might be yes, because according to Sportsnaut’s Dave Litman, Blue Jays’ playoff starters will be Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, and Max Scherzer. It’s due to his postseason experience with 2x World Series rings and a good 4-1 record last month. However, fans are not convinced.

One user said, “He cannot be a starter in the playoffs.” “If we get to the postseason, he should not be there,” another added.

While the fans are wary about Scherzer’s meltdown, they are more concerned about how the overburdened bullpen will take on the next games. “And the pen will now be destroyed for the stretch run. The Yankees are winning the division. It’s written in stone.” One fan shared how the Blue Jays’ bullpen is playing today’s game from the second inning. And this means they will be exhausted by the next game.

Result? A few more potential meltdowns are waiting, while the Yankees would go on winning the Orioles series and eventually the division.