Scherzer Milestone And Team Elimination
Max Scherzer Makes 500th Appearance as Toronto Blue Jays Are Eliminated From Postseason
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Key Points
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Scherzer’s 500th major-league appearance was also his 491st career start.
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Scherzer’s 2026 campaign included a 1.362 WHIP over 72⅔ innings, and he was placed on the 15-day injured list twice before suffering another setback during a July rehab assignment.
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Asked about his future, Scherzer said, “I’m not limping to the finish line, I’m accelerating through the finish line,” emphasizing that he wanted to keep his focus on completing the season.
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Scherzer’s career résumé includes eight All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships, with titles won with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023.
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A potential Sunday appearance against Cincinnati would also give Scherzer a chance to pitch once more in front of Toronto’s home fans, in addition to helping him close the gap on Justin Verlander’s strikeout total.
Max Scherzer reached a career milestone in a loss. The 42-year-old right-hander made his 500th major-league appearance as the Toronto Blue Jays fell to the Baltimore Orioles and were eliminated from playoff contention according to TSN. Scherzer gave up four runs and four hits over five innings, striking out seven batters to push his career total to 3,550 strikeouts.
The veteran pitcher hinted his future in baseball may be decided soon. Yahoo Sports reported that Scherzer said he is "accelerating through the finish line" rather than limping to the end, suggesting he wants to keep pitching despite a difficult 2026 season marked by injuries and a 6.14 ERA. He may announce his retirement plans within days.
A Hall of Famer's Long Journey Continues
Scherzer's 500th appearance comes in his 19th major-league season. The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion—with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023—has been a cornerstone of baseball for two decades. According to Sporting News, he could become the oldest pitcher in baseball if he returns in 2027.
His strikeout total of 3,550 puts him within reach of Justin Verlander on the all-time list. TSN noted that a potential start Sunday against Cincinnati could help him close that gap while also giving him one last chance to pitch at home in Toronto.
Injuries Define a Tough 2026 Season
Scherzer's latest campaign has been derailed by setbacks. He posted a 6.14 ERA over 72⅔ innings while recording a 1.362 WHIP. Clutch Points reported that multiple injuries forced him onto the injured list twice during the season, with another problem occurring during a July rehab assignment.
The repeated physical problems have raised questions about whether this season will be his last. At 42 years old, Scherzer faces the reality that his body may not recover for another campaign, though he has not yet made a final decision about 2027.
What Comes Next for Scherzer?
Scherzer promised clarity on his future in the coming days. Yahoo Sports reported his message: "I'm not limping to the finish line, I'm accelerating through the finish line." This suggests the pitcher intends to finish strong rather than fade away, keeping his focus on the remaining games.
Manager John Schneider has said Scherzer could pitch again Sunday on three days of rest against Cincinnati. According to KOMU, such an appearance would give the Hall of Famer—inducted into Mizzou's Hall of Fame in 2011—one final chance to pitch in Toronto before deciding his next move.
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