Toronto Blue Jays Veteran Pitcher Makes History By Tossing Gem on 41st Birthday

Max Scherzer had one of his best outings of the season Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, racking up 11 strikeouts in 7.0 innings before the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen fell apart.

Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) is congratulated by teammates in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Sunday was going to be a big day for Max Scherzer regardless of how he performed on the mound, given it was his 41st birthday.

The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander celebrated in style, turning in his best outing of the season against his former team, the Detroit Tigers.

Scherzer gave up a three-run home run to Gleyber Torres in the bottom of the third, but was otherwise dominant. He lasted 7.0 innings, allowing three earned runs, three hits and zero walks to go along with his 11 strikeouts. That marked Scherzer's most strikeouts so far in 2025, with his game score of 70 also standing out as his highest since July 25, 2024.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, Scherzer is the oldest pitcher in at least the last 125 seasons to record 10 or more strikeouts on his birthday. Randy Johnson held the previous record, doing so on his 37th birthday in 2000.

At 41 years old, Max Scherzer is the oldest pitcher in at least the last 125 seasons with 10+ strikeouts on his birthday

Surpassing 37-year-old Randy Johnson in 2000

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2025

This wasn't the first time Scherzer celebrated his birthday with a 10-strikeouts performance, though. He also achieved the feat with the Washington Nationals on his 34th birthday in 2018.

Scherzer is one now of two pitchers since at least 1900 to have multiple 10-strikeout games on his birthday, joining former Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Stan Williams, per Langs.

Max Scherzer now has two 10-strikeout games on his birthday (2018 & today)

That ties Stan Williams for most in at least the last 125 seasons

Birthdays are important.

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2025

Scherzer got stuck with the loss despite his quality start, dropping to 1-1 on the season as Toronto fell10-4. He now boasts a 4.89 ERA, 1.086 WHIP and 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings through seven appearances with the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays, who are still an MLB-best 21-6 since June 26, will open up a series with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

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