Why the Blue Jays Benched Max Scherzer Before Facing Off Against Shohei Ohtani
In a dramatic showdown during the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays made a strategic decision to bench veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. This move was particularly notable as Scherzer had performed well but was removed before facing superstar Shohei Ohtani for the third time.
Game Details
The pivotal Game 7 took place on a Saturday night, showcasing the intensity of the series. Scherzer, who is 41 years old and a likely future Hall of Fame inductee, pitched 4.1 innings. He gave up just one run and struck out three batters, demonstrating his experience and skill on the mound.
Reason for the Decision
The key moment came in the fifth inning. Scherzer allowed a one-out single to Miguel Rojas, which prompted Blue Jays manager John Schneider to make the tactical call to replace him. The strategy was to avoid having Scherzer face Ohtani, a strong competitor, a third time.
Manager’s Strategy
- Scherzer’s Performance: 4.1 innings pitched, 1 run allowed, 3 strikeouts.
- Singles allowed: One to Miguel Rojas in the fifth inning.
- Replacement Pitcher: Louis Varland was brought in instead of expected Mason Fluharty.
Varland, who had limited experience against Ohtani during the series, faced a pivotal moment. Unfortunately, he delivered a breaking ball that Ohtani connected with, resulting in a single that increased the pressure on the Blue Jays. With Ohtani’s presence on the field, the stakes could not have been higher for both teams.
Conclusion
This decision by the Blue Jays reflects the complex strategies often employed in high-stakes games. Bench decisions can shape the outcome of the series, as managers weigh performance against matchup statistics. The choices made remain critical in determining the champion.
