Toronto placed veteran ace Max Scherzer on the 10‑day injured list Wednesday after he developed back spasms hours before his scheduled start against Boston. The 42‑year‑old will miss the opening day tilt, and reliever Braydon Fisher will open the game as an “opener.” The move disrupts a rotation already thin with injuries.

Earlier this season Scherzer spent more than six weeks on the injured list with forearm tendinitis and ankle inflammation, returning only last week. In his comeback appearance he recorded 3,500 strikeouts, joining an elite club, but was pulled after surrendering five runs in 3⅓ innings of a 7‑4 loss to Philadelphia. He entered the season on a $3 million one‑year contract.

With Scherzer now 1‑4 and posting a 10.23 ERA in six starts, Toronto’s rotation faces a steep uphill climb toward playoff contention. Fisher’s unconventional opening may buy the bullpen time, but the Jays must rely on younger arms to stem a losing streak. The injury underscores Toronto’s urgency to address depth before the mid‑season trade deadline.

Toronto opens its next series against the Yankees without Scherzer, a move that could widen the gap with AL East rivals. A win would keep the Jays within five games of the lead, while another loss deepens a slump that threatens postseason hopes.