The Toronto Blue Jays secured a spot in the World Series, sparking emotions in veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, who is set to start Game 3 of the championship on Monday at 8 p.m. ET in Los Angeles, marking his fourth appearance in the Fall Classic.
Following a split in the first two games in Toronto, with the Blue Jays taking Game 1 and the Dodgers responding with a win in Game 2, Scherzer expressed his excitement upon learning that he would be back on the pitching mound for the pivotal game.
With a career spanning 18 MLB seasons and stints with various teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and Toronto, the 41-year-old right-hander boasts an impressive record of 221-117, along with a career ERA of 3.22 and 3,489 strikeouts.
Having previously made World Series starts with the Tigers in 2012, the Nationals in 2019 and 2023, and the Rangers in 2023, Scherzer’s accomplishments also include winning the Cy Young Award three times and being an eight-time all-star.
Known for his passion for the game and its history, Scherzer emphasized the unpredictable nature of baseball and the need to approach each game with readiness and adaptability.
Despite being initially left off the roster for the American League Division Series, Scherzer’s standout performance in the AL Championship Series earned him praise from Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who commended his intensity and experience.
Looking ahead, Schneider revealed the pitching lineup for the upcoming games, with Shane Bieber set to start Game 4, while also highlighting the strategic decision to keep Scherzer available for a potential Game 7.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who previously worked with Scherzer, shared his admiration for the veteran pitcher’s competitive spirit and intelligence, describing him as a unique talent and a future Hall of Famer.