Max Scherzer Makes MLB History, Reacts to 'Special' Milestone After Blue Jays' Win vs. Phillies

For at least one night, Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer rolled back the years en route to climbing the all-time strikeouts list.

Scherzer allowed two earned runs and struck out four batters in 5.1 innings of work in a 7-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander now has 3,516 career punch outs, one more than Walter Johnson for 10th place.

"You start mentioning the top 10 all-time strikeouts, man, there are some really big-time names there," he said after the victory. "To now be a part of that group, it's special."

Scherzer flummoxed Philly's offense through the first five innings. He started to run out of gas in the sixth and exited after allowing back-to-back solo homers to Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.

The Phillies got two more runs to tie things up. Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes eventually hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the 11th, which was the decisive blow in the contest.

This isn't a season Scherzer will fondly remember. He has been limited to nine starts and owns a 7.25 ERA. Given his age (42), this could be the farewell campaign for his legendary career.

Scherzer's status as a Hall of Famer was secured a while ago. At this point, he's just padding his legacy.

It could be a long, long time before somebody else is challenging his top-10 status on the all-time strikeouts list. Scherzer and Justin Verlander are the last of a dying breed with teams across MLB generally refusing to allow their starters to pitch too deep into games.

Only three active pitchers younger than 30 (Logan Webb, Logan Gilbert and Tarik Skubal) have eclipsed 1,000 career strikeouts. Webb is the leader from that group and has whiffed 1,095 batters.

Chris Sale (2,730) could plausibly enter the 3,000 strikeout club, but chasing down Scherzer might be unattainable for the 37-year-old.