Max Scherzer struck out Kyle Schwarber in the sixth inning to record his 3,516th career strikeout, passing Walter Johnson for 10th place on Major League Baseball’s all-time list, according to game accounts from Philadelphia. Pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, the 42-year-old right-hander reached the milestone with a 94.3 m.p.h. fastball at the bottom of the zone before leaving a game the Blue Jays ultimately won 7-5 in 11 innings.
Max Scherzer Reaches 3,516 Strikeouts Past Walter Johnson
Scherzer’s milestone pitch came against the Philadelphia Phillies leadoff hitter after jumping ahead 1-2. According to post-game comments provided to reporters, Scherzer acknowledged thinking about the historic mark. “I’d be lying to you to say I didn’t,” Scherzer said regarding the top-10 list. “To now be a part of that group, it’s special, especially because of the way we did it today.”
Despite the achievement, the margins remained thin. Immediately following Schwarber’s strikeout, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs off Scherzer to erase a 2-0 deficit and knock the veteran starter from the game. Scherzer finished his 5.1 innings allowing five hits and four strikeouts before a crowd of 40,010. According to team data, he has allowed four runs on 13 hits and four walks across 14 innings over three starts since returning from the injured list on July 27.
Did you know? With continued health, Scherzer’s next targets on the all-time strikeout list include Gaylord Perry at No. 9 with 3,534 strikeouts, and former teammate Justin Verlander at No. 8 with 3,554 strikeouts.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Returns From Hamstring Injury
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to the Blue Jays lineup after missing three games due to right hamstring discomfort. According to the first baseman, an MRI revealed “a little bit of inflammation” after he hobbled to first base during an eighth-inning groundout in Houston. Guerrero admitted to reporters through interpreter Hector Lebron that the hamstring trouble began in Washington on July 28.
Having missed nine games this year, Guerrero has already set a career high for absences, contrasting with missing only 18 games total from 2020 through 2025. Upon his return, he hit his seventh home run of the season in the first inning off a 3-1 Aaron Nola fastball, traveling 408 feet to left field. He added an RBI single in the third inning laced at 104.9 m.p.h.
Bullpen Adjustments Following Roster Shuffles
Manager John Schneider addressed the team’s ongoing bullpen adjustments following the trade deadline departure of Jeff Hoffman to the Minnesota Twins for a prospect package fronted by right-hander Dasan Hill. According to Schneider, covering late-game leverage spots previously handled by Hoffman has increased demands on Tyler Rogers, Louis Varland, Fisher, Mason Fluharty, and Spencer Miles.
During a grueling stretch of 17 games in 17 days, the Blue Jays utilized fifth reliever Lazaro Estrada to handle the bottom of the 11th inning for his first career save in Saturday’s victory. Estrada intentionally balked Brandon Marsh to third with two outs before securing the final out, sealing a series win following Thursday’s makeup-game loss at Wrigley Field.
Injury Updates: Spencer Arrighetti Considers Treatment
Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, acquired from Houston for Daulton Varsho, is considering a second cortisone shot to ease nerve symptoms on the bottom of his right foot. According to Arrighetti, he felt foot issues during his rehab outing with triple-A Buffalo before symptoms worsened in the third inning, making it challenging to drive off the rubber. “Might entertain another injection, just to see if that helps,” Arrighetti told reporters, noting that the treatment does not require a shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many career strikeouts does Max Scherzer have?
Max Scherzer recorded his 3,516th career strikeout against Kyle Schwarber, placing him 10th all-time in MLB history past Walter Johnson.
Who did the Blue Jays trade Jeff Hoffman to?
The Blue Jays traded Jeff Hoffman to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for a prospect package fronted by right-hander Dasan Hill.
What injury sidelined Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. missed time due to right hamstring inflammation confirmed by an MRI following a groundout in Houston.
How did Scherzer’s milestone game end?
The Blue Jays rallied to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 in 11 innings behind a two-run homer from Nathan Lukes.
Want more updates on the Toronto Blue Jays roster and milestone chases? Subscribe to our newsletter or leave a comment below to join the discussion.
Related reading