Max Scherzer takes impressive step towards all-time strikeout record

The Toronto Blue Jays came out of the MLB Trade Deadline quiet. But looks like manager John Schneider doesn’t need pitching help. Not with Max Scherzer inching towards history on the mound.

Scherzer threw his way into top 10 league history during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. He tossed strikeout No. 3,516, placing him at 10th all-time and surpassing Walter Johnson.

Max Scherzer with Strikeout number 3,516!

He has officially passed Walter Johnson for 10th place on the all-time Ks leaderboard pic.twitter.com/jiZuOMw06o

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 9, 2026

The right-hander switched his array of heat multiple times on the mound. He flipped from the fastball, to the changeup and threw the slider twice during the first inning. Philly managed to earn one hit facing him, but Scherzer still got out of that inning with no runs.

The veteran then added the curve ball as the fourth pitching style during the second inning. Again the Phillies mustered a single but struggled to score or even get on second base.

Philadelphia ultimately figured out Scherzer during the sixth inning. Trae Turner smacked the first home run against him, sending the ball 391 feet into left center field. Bryce Harper pounded a center field home run that sailed 399 feet, tying the game up at 2-2.

Spencer Miles came in to relieve Scherzer after the latter homer. Scherzer completed 5.1 innings and allowed five hits with the two homers. He struck out four batters total. Miles allowed three hits with two runs in 0.2 innings on the hill.

Scherzer elbowed out of a trade. He agreed, however, at the time that roster changes could be made. All because the defending American League champs hadn’t lived up to their standards. But now he’s entered the top 10 of MLB history.

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