Max Scherzer wasted no time making history in his return from the injured list. The Blue Jays starter struck out Phillies' Kyle Schwarber on an 86 mph changeup to become just the 11th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,500 strikeouts. The three-time Cy Young winner delivered the milestone pitch to open Wednesday's game, adding another strikeout of Trea Turner before Bryce Harper answered with a homer.

Scherzer joins exclusive company alongside legends like Walter Johnson, who sits 10th with 3,509 career strikeouts. Only Justin Verlander (3,554) remains active among the pitchers who have crossed this threshold. The veteran right-hander's return came after missing significant time with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, making the milestone even more remarkable given the circumstances.

Toronto activated Scherzer off the 15-day injured list, optioning Connor Seabold to make room. The 3,500-strikeout club member signed a $3 million one-year deal with the Blue Jays in February, though his workload remains limited—he's completed just three innings twice in five starts. Despite allowing eight homers this season, Scherzer's historic strikeout ability continues to anchor Toronto's rotation as they defend their American League crown.

Scherzer's milestone underscores his longevity and dominance in an era of elevated offense, proving that elite strikeout pitchers can still thrive in today's game.