Max Scherzer Faces Former Teammate Trea Turner in Blue Jays Debut
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, former teammates with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers, found themselves on opposing sides during a Grapefruit League game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. Scherzer kicked off the game by delivering a 91 mile-per-hour fastball to Turner, which was called a strike. Turner, however, challenged the call using the automatic ball-strike system, but the ruling favored Scherzer. Despite this, Turner shared a knowing smirk with Scherzer, possibly acknowledging his stance on the ABS system.
Scherzer’s Dominance on the Mound
In a display of his pitching prowess, Scherzer swiftly got Turner to pop out to second base after the controversial pitch. The seasoned right-hander proceeded to retire Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott in quick succession, completing the first inning with only eight pitches. Although Scherzer gave up a solo home run to Kody Clemens in the second inning, he rebounded by striking out two batters. His impressive performance continued with two more strikeouts in the third inning and two groundouts in the fourth before being relieved.
A Standing Ovation for Scherzer
As Scherzer exited the field, he received a well-deserved standing ovation from the Blue Jays’ fans at TD Ballpark. His final line for the day included one earned run, one hit, zero walks, four strikeouts, and 3.2 innings pitched with 47 total pitches thrown. This stellar outing showcased Scherzer’s enduring talent and competitive spirit.
Scherzer’s Impact on the Blue Jays
Having recently signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays, Scherzer brings a wealth of experience and success to the team. With an impressive career spanning multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers, Scherzer boasts a remarkable record of 216-112, a 3.16 ERA, 3,407 strikeouts, and a 74.5 WAR. As an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young winner, and two-time World Series champion, Scherzer’s presence elevates the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation and overall competitiveness.
Conclusion
Despite the initial showdown between Scherzer and Turner, the Blue Jays emerged victorious with a 5-4 win over the Phillies. As Toronto prepares for their upcoming game against the Tigers, Scherzer’s debut performance serves as a promising sign for the team’s prospects in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on Scherzer and the Blue Jays as they continue their journey in the MLB.