Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer climbed to 10th place all-time in career strikeouts after surpassing Hall of Famer Walter Johnson during the Blue Jays’ 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday evening. Scherzer, aged 42, achieved a total of 3,516 strikeouts, edging past Johnson by one strikeout and trailing only Justin Verlander (3,554) among active pitchers.
During his ninth start of the season, Scherzer struck out Kyle Schwarber at the start of the sixth inning, surpassing Johnson’s record, but then struggled as he allowed back-to-back home runs to Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, resulting in a tied game at 2-2 and concluding his performance for the night.
Prior to the consecutive home runs, Scherzer had maintained a solid performance, pitching five scoreless innings against the Phillies, allowing only three hits and retiring nine consecutive batters. Despite the late-game setback, Scherzer finished with four strikeouts, conceding two runs on five hits, and bringing down his ERA to 7.25.
Having been drafted in the first round (No. 11 overall) by the Arizona team in the 2006 draft, Scherzer boasts an impressive career, securing three Cy Young awards, earning eight All-Star selections, and clinching two World Series titles.
In a separate development, George Springer was unexpectedly removed from Toronto’s starting lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday due to tightness in his left shoulder. Springer, who was slated to serve as the designated hitter and bat fourth, holds a batting average of .234 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs across 86 games this season.
Manager John Schneider mentioned that Springer had been managing the shoulder issue for the past few days, expressing minimal concern about its long-term impact. However, Springer did make an appearance as a pinch runner in the eighth inning of the game.
