Max Scherzer’s future in the Blue Jays’ rotation appears to be in question after another rough outing Friday and with a few injured arms seemingly set to return soon.

The 41-year-old Scherzer, who returned for another bite at the apple after the team lost Game 7 of the World Series last season, has badly struggled through three of his five starts so far.

He lasted just 2 1/3 innings against Cleveland on Friday, coughing up seven runs on six hits with three walks and three home runs allowed in an 8-6 home loss.

Max Scherzer is struggling to open the 2026 season. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Scherzer didn’t strike out a single batter either after recording just one punch-out in his last start against the Diamondbacks.

“It just stinks to lose this one. All of the other guys in the clubhouse did their job,” Scherzer told reporters .

“The offense fought. The bullpen came in and stepped up to cover some innings there. It stinks to have a clunker out there.…