Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer’s admission on verge of historic 3,500-strikeout mark

It has not been a good start for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Max Scherzer has also struggled. But as he prepares for a big start on Friday, Scherzer reflected on being close to hitting 3,500 strikeouts in his career, according to a feature by Bob Nightengale.

“The cool thing is I really appreciate the history of this game, and it’s been played for over 100 years. When you can kind of connect the eras, and have an accomplishment that only so many guys have gotten to that number, it’s humbling,” Scherzer told Nightengale.

Scherzer needs just a single strikeout to become just the second pitcher to reach the 3,500 strikeout mark over the past 24 years. Notably, he needs just 11 strikeouts to pass Walter Johnson to become a top-10 pitcher in all-time strikeouts.

Scherzer has already made history this season, as he attempts to help the Jays stay afloat as they look to return to the World Series. There is still a long way to catch Nolan Ryan, who has the most strikeouts with 5,714. Ironically, the last player to crack the 3,500 strikeout mark was Justin Verlander, Scherzer’s former teammate. Scherzer has his eyes on Johnson’s 3,509 strikeouts, which is attainable.

“Passing Walter Johnson, the Big Train, everyone knows who that is. You just appreciate the game where it was, where it is now, and where it’s going to be. It’s pretty special,” Scherzer added.

Scherzer has been a key player for the Jays and continues to be a focal point for this rotation, as some of the others heal up from injuries. When he takes the mound against the Cleveland Guardians, he could cement himself in the history books.

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