KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Salvador Perez hit a three-run homer in Kansas City's seven-run first inning and the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 20-1 on Friday night. The Royals sent 10 batters to the plate against Max Scherzer (5-4), who exited after recording just two outs and allowing seven hits in the shortest non-injury start of his career. It was Scherzer's shortest outing since facing just one batter while pitching for Washington on June 11, 2021, before leaving with an injury.
Prior to the 2025 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays signed three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer to a one-year contract. With his experience, it seemed like a quality signing for the Blue Jays to add to the rotation. Scherzer's 2025 season has had some struggles, dealing with injuries and rough starts. However, a steady July and August helped the Blue Jays to keep their AL East Division lead. At 41 years old, Scherzer turned into a quality starter on the Blue Jays roster.