Max Scherzer Refuses Exit, Strikes Out Seven in Potential Career Finale

Pitching on three days' rest, 42-year-old Max Scherzer tossed 114 pitches across seven frames to earn his 225th career win in Toronto's 5-1 victory over Cincinnati. Scherzer famously turned away manager John Schneider on the mound to finish his outing, bringing his career strikeout total to 3,557—trailing Justin Verlander by three for ninth all-time. Scherzer, who posted a 5.74 ERA in 2026, will evaluate retirement during the offseason.