Max Scherzer Falls Just Shy of History as Toronto Blue Jays Fall Again
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays lost 6-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking their 13th loss of the season. Closer Jeff Hoffman allowed a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning, contributing to the team's struggles.
Key points
- Toronto Blue Jays lost 6-2 to Arizona Diamondbacks
- Jeff Hoffman gave up a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning
- Blue Jays are 7-13 and last in the American League East
The Toronto Blue Jays suffered another gut punch loss on Saturday night, falling 6-2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Tied 2-2 in the eighth inning, closer Jeff Hoffman surrendered a single to Illdemaro Vargas, a single to Alek Thomas and a walk to Ketel Marte, before giving up a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll.
The Blue Jays, who are already inundated with injury problems, cannot buy a break. They are now 7-13 on the season and one of the most disappointing teams in the league. They are in last place in the American League East.
Hoffman is now 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA on the season.
On the offensive side of things, the Jays actually had 12 hits, with Nathan Lukes getting three of them. Ernie Clement had two, but the Jays only had one extra-base hit as a team, which limited their scoring chances.
On the pitching side, Max Scherzer took a tough-luck no decision. He went six innings, giving up just two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out one. Unfortunately, with the one strikeout, he fell just short of MLB history.
He now has 3,499 career strikeouts, making him one away from being the 11th player to record 3,500 Ks.
The other 10? Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Steve Carlton, Bert Blyleven, Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, Justin Verlander, Gaylor Perry and Walker Johnson.
He's likely to hit the mark when he takes the mound next week.
The Jays will take on the Diamondbacks again on Sunday afternoon at 4:10 p.m. ET. Ace right-hander Kevin Gausman will pitch against Ryne Nelson. Gausman is 0-1 with a 2.42 ERA while Nelson is 1-1 with a 3.54.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Elsewhere in Blue Jays news
Trey Yesavage, who has missed the entire season with right shoulder inflammation, will make one more start at Triple-A Buffalo next week.
That means he likely won't be back in the big league rotation until next weekend (April 24-26), at the earliest. Depending on when he makes the minor league rehab start, he might be back until the middle of the following week.
Yesavage's last rehab start came on Wednesday afternoon against the Rochester Red Wings.
Yesavage went 4.1 innings, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out five, tossing 71 pitches, 42 for strikes. It's likely that his next rehab start will see him push the 80-pitch mark, readying him for a return to the majors.
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Q&A
What happened in the Toronto Blue Jays vs Arizona Diamondbacks game?
The Blue Jays lost 6-2, with a key moment being a go-ahead grand slam allowed by closer Jeff Hoffman in the eighth inning.
How is Jeff Hoffman performing this season?
Jeff Hoffman is currently 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA after the loss to the Diamondbacks.
What is the current standing of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East?
The Blue Jays are in last place in the American League East with a record of 7-13.