Max Scherzer struck out Kyle Schwarber for his 3,500th career strikeout in his return from the injured list, but Toronto fell 7-4 to Philadelphia.
Max Scherzer’s return to the Toronto Blue Jays rotation opened with a career milestone Wednesday night, as the veteran right-hander became the 11th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,500 strikeouts.
Scherzer hit the mark at Rogers Centre on the first batter he faced, freezing Philadelphia Phillies leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber with an 86 mph changeup. The Blue Jays marked the achievement on the stadium video board, drawing applause from the crowd.
The moment, however, came in a difficult outing and another loss for Toronto. Scherzer gave up five runs on five hits, including two home runs, walked three and struck out four over 3 1/3 innings as the Phillies beat the Blue Jays 7-4.
Scherzer was making his first start since April 24 after missing 43 games because of right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. His earned-run average rose to 10.23 through six starts, but he said afterward that his body felt much better than it had earlier in the season.
“Really could feel like I was getting through the fastball, and felt like the stuff was sharp,” Scherzer said.
The Phillies quickly pushed past the milestone. After Scherzer struck out the first two hitters of the game, Bryce Harper homered to left. Philadelphia added more damage in the third after a potential Toronto double play on a Harper grounder was overturned following review. Two batters later, Alec Bohm hit a three-run homer to give the Phillies a 4-0 lead.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider called the milestone “pretty cool to witness,” but said Philadelphia made Scherzer work. He pointed to Harper’s homer and a slider to Bohm as key pitches in an outing that otherwise included some strong moments.
Scherzer said the achievement would likely mean more later. On Wednesday, he was focused on the result.
“I came here to win today,” Scherzer said. “I’m not pitching for milestones. I’m pitching to win and win the whole thing.”
Schneider said the club will continue to evaluate Scherzer as he tries to rebuild rhythm after an injury-interrupted stretch, adding that the Blue Jays do not want to make a quick judgment after one start following more than a month away.
Scherzer said he expects to return to work before his next outing, hoping to take another step forward as Toronto looks for more stability from the veteran starter.
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