Scherzer receives standing ovation from Nationals fans in abbreviated return from injured list
The 42-year-old allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings on his birthday, marking a significant moment in a 19-year career that includes two Cy Young awards with the Nationals.
Max Scherzer, pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, received two standing ovations from Washington Nationals fans during his return from the injured list on Monday. The 42-year-old allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss, striking out four batters before being removed after 75 pitches. Scherzer previously won two Cy Young awards and a World Series title with the Nationals.
The appearance coincided with Scherzer’s 42nd birthday and marked his first start since June 10. He had been sidelined due to back spasms and a thumb injury, with his last prior start occurring on April 24. Scherzer was cleared to pitch on Sunday, marking his second start since April 24.
Scherzer began the game by allowing a first-pitch single to James Wood and loading the bases with one out. He navigated the jam by striking out Dylan Crews and inducing a groundout from Daylen Lile. He then allowed his only run of the day on a second-inning double by Luis García.
In the third inning, Scherzer faced Lile a second time with one out and battled for 12 pitches before striking Lile out on a curveball. This strikeout marked his fourth and final of the day. After 75 pitches, Scherzer and manager John Schneider agreed that it was time to go to the bullpen.
Scherzer spent six-plus seasons with the Washington Nationals, winning two of his three Cy Young awards and anchoring a rotation that included Stephen Strasburg. He helped lead the Nationals to their only World Series championship in 2019. The Blue Jays are not scheduled to visit the Nationals again this season, and Scherzer’s start in Washington very well could have been his last for the franchise.
Social media reactions from accounts such as MLB x @CoronaUSA and @PitchingNinja highlighted the fan response, with images circulating of Scherzer receiving the ovations both upon entering and leaving the game. Scherzer returned the greeting with a salute to the crowd when he took the mound.
The Blue Jays defeated the Washington Nationals 2-1. The team holds a 2-1 lead over the Nationals in this specific matchup. It remains unconfirmed whether Scherzer will retire or be traded after this game, though the source states it "very well could have been his last."
