Max Scherzer Makes MLB History with 10th All-Time Strikeouts

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer made history by climbing to 10th place in all-time strikeouts, surpassing Hall of Famer Walter Johnson during the Blue Jays’ 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday evening.
At the age of 42, Scherzer, in his ninth start this season, now boasts 3,516 career strikeouts, edging past Johnson by one and trailing only Justin Verlander (3,554) in active pitchers’ strikeouts.
His milestone moment occurred when he struck out Kyle Schwarber at the start of the sixth inning before conceding back-to-back home runs to Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, leveling the score at 2-2 and concluding his performance for the night.
Scherzer had a solid start against Philadelphia, delivering five scoreless innings with just three hits allowed. He retired nine consecutive batters before Turner and Harper’s homers. Overall, he gave up two runs on five hits, struck out four, and reduced his ERA to 7.25.
Originally picked in the first round (No. 11 overall) by Arizona in the 2006 draft, Scherzer has accumulated an impressive resume, including three Cy Young awards, eight All-Star appearances, and two World Series championships.
Additionally, outfielder George Springer was a last-minute absence from the Blue Jays’ lineup against the Phillies due to left shoulder tightness. Scheduled to be the designated hitter batting fourth, Springer, with a .234 batting average, 12 home runs, and 36 RBIs in 86 games, was replaced due to the discomfort.
Manager John Schneider mentioned that Springer had been managing the issue for a couple of days but expressed minimal concern about it becoming a long-term problem. Springer did later join the game as a pinch runner in the eighth inning.