Texas Rangers Ace Max Scherzer 'Not Here' for Milestones, Accomplishments
ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers starter Max Scherzer moved up to No. 11 all-time in strikeouts during the 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at Globe Life Field.
Scherzer tied knuckleballer Phil Niekro for No. 11 all-time with a strikeout of Victor Caratini to end the second inning. It was his second strikeout of the game and the 3,342nd of his career.
He didn’t share 11th with Niekro for long. He struck out the first hitter he faced in the third, Brice Turang, to assume the spot by himself.
Scherzer ended up with four strikeouts in the game and now has 3,344 for his career. He is the active strikeout leader in MLB.
Sunday ended up being Scherzer’s shortest outing as a Ranger, as he went just 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, three earned runs and four walks while striking out four hitters.
“I play to win — I’m not here for milestones, I’m not here for accomplishments — I’m here to win and to win as a team,” Scherzer said. “I’m sure it’s gonna be a good moment to reflect on later in my life, but not right now.”
Scherzer is now the fifth pitcher with at least 3,000 career strikeouts to have appeared with the Rangers, joining Nolan Ryan (1989-94), Bert Blyleven (1976-77), Gaylord Perry (1975-77, 1980) and Ferguson Jenkins (1974-75, 1978-81). Only 19 pitchers have thrown at least 3,000 career strikeouts.
There’s a good chance that Scherzer could move into the Top 10 this season. Up next as 10th is Greg Maddux, brother of Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux.
Greg Maddux had 3,371 strikeouts in his career, putting him just 27 ahead of Scherzer.
After that, Scherzer will have to work hard to gain ground on the Hall of Famers that are in front of him.
Walter Johnson is No. 9 with 3,509 career strikeouts. There are two pitchers ahead of Johnson that have less than 3,600 strikeouts and one of them has Rangers ties — No. 8 Perry (3,543) and No. 7 Don Sutton (3,574).
After that, Tom Seaver is No. 6 at 3,640 strikeouts and Blyleven is No. 5 with 3,701 strikeouts.
The foursome at the top is comprised of Ryan (5,714), Randy Johnson (4,875), Roger Clemens (4,672) and Steve Carlton (4,136).
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
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