Max Scherzer reaches 3,500 strikeouts in loss to Phillies

Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer reached a historic career milestone but endured a difficult outing in his return from the injured list as the Toronto Blue Jays fell 7-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre. The 41-year-old right-hander, making his first start since April 24 after missing 43 games with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation, recorded his 3,500th career strikeout but surrendered five runs over just three and one-third innings.

Scherzer made history with his first pitch of the game, striking out Phillies leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber looking at a changeup to become the 11th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach the 3,500-strikeout mark. The achievement was acknowledged on the stadium video board, drawing applause from the crowd and his teammates. He added three more strikeouts to finish the night with 3,503 for his career, joining an elite group that includes Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and his contemporary Justin Verlander, the only other active pitcher above the milestone.

The celebratory moment was short-lived. After striking out the first two batters, Scherzer gave up a solo home run to Bryce Harper, a ball that...