Friday night at Rogers Centre was supposed to be a celebration for Toronto Blue Jays fans—a chance to witness history as Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, took the mound just one strikeout shy of 3,500 for his career. The anticipation was electric, with supporters eager to see Scherzer join an elite club that includes the likes of Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Justin Verlander. But baseball, as always, had other plans.
Scherzer entered the April 24, 2026, matchup against the Cleveland Guardians with 3,499 career strikeouts, needing just one more to become only the 11th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach the 3,500 mark. Not only would this cement his legacy among the game’s greatest strikeout artists, but it would also bring him within nine of breaking into the top 10 on MLB’s all-time list, trailing only legendary names such as Walter Johnson and Gaylord Perry.
Yet, as the Blue Jays faithful watched with bated breath, Scherzer’s night unraveled in a way few could have predicted. He failed to record a single strikeout in his 2 1/3 innings of work, giving up seven runs on six hits—including a jaw-dropping three home runs. According to Stathead, it was the first time in the 2026 MLB season that a pitcher had surrendered three home runs without notching a strikeout in a game. For a pitcher renowned for his dominance and competitive fire, it was an uncharacteristically rough outing.
The trouble began immediately. The very first batter Scherzer faced sent a ball over the fence, setting the tone for a disastrous first inning in which he allowed five runs. The Guardians’ bats were relentless, and Scherzer found himself in deep water before he could even settle in. Though he managed to keep Cleveland off the scoreboard in the second, the third inning brought more heartbreak. After a grueling 11-pitch at-bat that saw Guardians center fielder Angel Martínez foul off seven consecutive pitches, Martínez worked the count full. Scherzer’s next pitch was crushed into deep right field for a two-run homer, bringing both Martínez and Rhys Hoskins home and extending Cleveland’s lead.
That blast would be Scherzer’s last pitch of the night. Blue Jays manager John Schneider made the call to the bullpen, bringing in Joe Mantiply to relieve the veteran right-hander. The Toronto crowd, hoping to witness history, instead watched as Scherzer walked off the mound, his milestone moment postponed for at least another start.
Despite the rocky start, the Blue Jays didn’t go quietly. They rallied in the bottom of the sixth, picking up a couple of runs to narrow the gap. But Cleveland’s early offensive explosion proved too much to overcome, and the Guardians ultimately secured an 8-6 victory. The loss dropped Toronto’s record further in a season already marked by ups and downs, and it left fans and analysts alike pondering what’s next for Scherzer.
Scherzer’s failure to reach the 3,500-strikeout milestone on Friday doesn’t diminish his remarkable career. Over 19 big league seasons, he’s accumulated a 3.24 ERA, three Cy Young Awards, two World Series rings, and eight All-Star selections. His place in baseball history is already secure, and the milestone is all but inevitable—just delayed. As one commentator put it, "When he reaches this milestone, likely on Friday, it will be just another example of why. Although, he really doesn't need any more accolades to make this point."
For Toronto fans, the night’s disappointment was compounded by another major development: a shakeup in the Blue Jays’ bullpen. Before the game, general manager Ross Atkins announced that Jeff Hoffman would be removed from the closer’s role, at least temporarily. "In the short term, we are going to share that responsibility," Atkins told reporters. Hoffman, now in his second season with Toronto, has struggled to find consistency, posting a 1-2 record with three saves in six opportunities and a 7.59 ERA over 12 games this year.
Hoffman’s journey with Toronto has been full of twists. Drafted ninth overall by the Blue Jays in 2014, he was traded to Colorado the following year in the blockbuster deal that brought Troy Tulowitzki north of the border. After a stint with the Phillies—where he earned his first All-Star selection in 2024—Hoffman returned to Toronto in January 2025. Last postseason, he was mostly reliable, allowing just one home run in 12 1/3 innings after surrendering 15 during the regular season. Yet, the pressure of closing games in Toronto has taken its toll. Following a particularly tough World Series loss, Hoffman was candid about his feelings, telling reporters, "I’ve cost everybody in here a World Series ring."
With Hoffman stepping back, the Blue Jays will look to Louis Varland and other relief options to handle closing duties moving forward. The decision signals a period of transition for a bullpen that has struggled to hold leads and close out tight games. Varland, who replaced Hoffman in a recent contest and induced a game-ending double play, is considered among the top candidates for the role.
The Blue Jays’ struggles on the mound—both in the rotation and the bullpen—have become a focal point early in the 2026 season. While Scherzer’s pursuit of history remains a compelling storyline, Toronto’s ability to stabilize its pitching staff could determine whether the team can contend in a competitive American League landscape. The organization’s willingness to make bold moves, such as shifting Hoffman out of the closer’s role, underscores the urgency felt within the clubhouse.
For now, all eyes remain on Scherzer. At 41, he’s nearing the twilight of a storied career, and opportunities to see him pitch—let alone make history—are dwindling. As fans left Rogers Centre on Friday, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for his next start. Will he notch that elusive 3,500th strikeout? Can he climb into the top 10 all-time before the season’s end? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: baseball fans everywhere will be watching.
As the Blue Jays regroup and refocus, the storylines swirling around this team promise plenty of drama in the weeks ahead. Scherzer’s chase for history, the bullpen’s evolving roles, and the quest for consistency will keep Toronto in the spotlight. For now, the milestone moment will have to wait—but when it comes, it’s sure to be worth the wait.