Toronto's Max Scherzer Records 11th 3,500th Career Strikeout in Return From Injury

Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer (41, Toronto Blue Jays), a three-time Cy Young Award winner in Major League Baseball (MLB), has reached a new milestone.
In a game against the Philadelphia Phillies held at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on June 11 (KST), Scherzer allowed 5 runs on 5 hits—including two home runs—and 3 walks over 3 1/3 innings.
Although Scherzer struggled in his return from injury after 46 days, he managed to set a historic record.
By adding 4 strikeouts, Scherzer reached 3,503 career strikeouts, becoming the 11th player in MLB history to surpass the 3,500-strikeout mark.
Among active players, he is second only to Justin Verlander (43, Detroit Tigers), who has recorded 3,554 strikeouts.
On this day, Scherzer achieved the milestone in the top of the first inning by striking out Philadelphia's leadoff hitter and home run leader Kyle Schwarber with a changeup.
Since debuting in the big leagues in 2008, Scherzer had recorded 220 wins, 120 losses, a 3.26 ERA, and 3,499 strikeouts before being placed on the injured list (IL) in April due to ankle inflammation and forearm tendonitis.
Having won three Cy Young Awards while moving between the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) and being selected as an All-Star eight times, Scherzer has long been a premier pitcher representing Major League Baseball.
However, as he showed signs of aging and suffered from frequent injuries since 2024, Scherzer signed a one-year contract with Toronto for just $3 million this season.
Although he aimed for a comeback in Toronto past the age of 40, his performance has fallen short of expectations.
Scherzer, who recorded 1 win, 3 losses, and a 9.64 ERA in 5 games before being placed on the IL, could not avoid a poor performance in his return game today.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.