Max Scherzer pitched what could be his final MLB start on Sunday, delivering a dominant performance for the Toronto Blue Jays in their season finale against the Reds. Pitching on three days of rest, Scherzer struck out seven batters over seven-plus innings on 114 pitches, earning his 225th career victory as Toronto won 5-1, per ESPN.
Scherzer's approach on the mound reflected his characteristic stubbornness. According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the Blue Jays had no predetermined script for how long Scherzer would pitch, leaving the decision to the pitcher himself—a dynamic that played out in typical Scherzer fashion. Yahoo Sports reported that Scherzer and manager John Schneider had an animated exchange when Schneider pulled him from the game, with Schneider later telling him, "Thank you for letting me be part of your unbelievable career. I wouldn't want any other 42-year-old psychopath on my team than you," per reporting shared on Reddit.
Scherzer addressed the crowd after the game, speaking to his experience playing in Toronto. The Blue Jays organization gave both Scherzer and outfielder George Springer emotional send-offs in the finale, with both players potentially concluding their tenure with the team.