Overview
- Scherzer recorded his 3,516th career strikeout when Kyle Schwarber struck out looking in the sixth inning, passing Walter Johnson (3,515) for sole possession of 10th on MLB’s all-time list.
- The strikeout came during a start against the Philadelphia Phillies, and Scherzer finished after 5.1 innings, leaving his career innings total at 2,999 and projecting his next start to reach 3,000 innings.
- Immediately after the milestone, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back solo homers to tie the game and prompted the Blue Jays to remove Scherzer for a reliever.
- Scherzer has 255 career strikeouts against the Phillies, the most against any team, and 116 strikeouts as a visiting pitcher at Citizens Bank Park, the highest visitor total there since the ballpark opened.
- His next leaderboard target is Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry at 3,534 strikeouts, and passing more of the all-time leaders would further cement Scherzer’s Cooperstown credentials after he retires.