Max Scherzer Pitches 114 Innings in Potential Final Start, Confronts Manager
The veteran pitcher, in what may have been his last MLB appearance, refused to be removed from the game, showcasing his characteristic intensity.
Max Scherzer emptied the tank in what could have been the final start of his Hall of Fame career Sunday, throwing 114 pitches over seven innings in the Toronto Blue Jays' 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. If that was the end for Scherzer, he went out exactly as one might expect.
The 42-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner pitched on just three days' rest, allowing one earned run on six hits, walking one and striking out seven in his final appearance of the 2026 season. Scherzer described the experience as "amazing," fueled by adrenaline and the crowd at Rogers Centre.
During the game, a notable moment occurred when Blue Jays manager John Schneider approached the mound with Scherzer already over 100 pitches. Scherzer quickly turned him away, gesturing that he wanted to continue. Schneider then turned back towards the dugout, allowing Scherzer to complete the inning.
"If that doesn’t sum up Max Scherzer, I don’t know what does," Schneider told reporters after the game. Scherzer finished the inning and walked off the mound to a standing ovation, tipping his cap.
Scherzer has not officially announced his retirement. He stated on Saturday that he would wait until the offseason to decide whether to return for a 20th major-league season. He also cited the uncertainty surrounding potential labor negotiations between MLB and the Players' Association, which could impact the start of the 2027 season.
Scherzer's seven strikeouts brought his career total to 3,557, placing him ninth all-time, just three behind Justin Verlander, who made his own potential final start on Saturday. Sunday's game marked Scherzer's 501st appearance and 492nd start. He finished the 2026 season with a 5.74 ERA and a 4-9 record.