The Minnesota Twins dominated the Toronto Blue Jays in a decisive matchup on April 12, 2026, at Rogers Centre, chasing pitcher Max Scherzer in the third inning. Scherzer’s struggles continued as he allowed five hits and eight earned runs, pushing his season ERA to a troubling 9.58.
In just 2.1 innings of work, Scherzer’s final line included two homers, two walks, and three strikeouts. This marked the second consecutive short outing for the veteran pitcher, who previously exited a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers early due to forearm tendinitis.
The Blue Jays now sit at 6-8 this season, placing them fourth in the AL East, while the Twins improved to 8-7, currently second in the AL Central. The pressure is mounting on the Blue Jays as they struggle to find their footing in the competitive division.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a slow start, hitting only one home run with five RBIs and six runs scored. Meanwhile, Josh Bell has been a bright spot for the Twins, scoring 12 runs and hitting three home runs in just 59 plate appearances.
Andres Gimenez has also contributed significantly for the Twins, with two home runs and nine RBIs to his name. The offensive output from these players has been crucial in propelling the Twins ahead in the standings.
As the season progresses, the Blue Jays will need to address their pitching woes, particularly with Scherzer’s ongoing struggles. The team must find a way to support their star players like Guerrero Jr. if they hope to turn their season around.
Details remain unconfirmed on Scherzer’s health moving forward, but the urgency for the Blue Jays to improve their performance is clear. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates this challenging stretch.