The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for a crucial Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, with veteran pitcher Max Scherzer ready to take the mound. Known for his competitive spirit, Scherzer expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to pitch in the postseason, stating, “I love it. This is what you play for.”
The 41-year-old right-hander, who last pitched on September 24 against the Boston Red Sox, is looking to leave behind a challenging stretch in his career. Scherzer will be making his 26th postseason start and 31st overall appearance, having been added to Toronto’s roster for this series alongside teammate Chris Bassitt after missing the earlier Division Series against the New York Yankees. Bassitt made a noteworthy contribution with 1 2/3 scoreless innings in a relief role in Game 3, where the Blue Jays secured a decisive 13-4 victory.
Despite a tough end to the regular season, where Scherzer went 1-3 with a 9.00 earned-run average in his last six starts, he remains confident in his abilities. Scherzer acknowledges that injuries, including neck pain that limited him significantly, affected his performance. However, he emphasized taking accountability for his pitching, saying, “When I take the mound, I take the mound, and I have the attitude [that] I’m going to win no matter what.”
This season, Scherzer signed a one-year contract with Toronto worth $15.5 million and posted a 5-5 record with a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts. His remarkable career includes three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star selections, showcasing his longstanding status as a top pitcher in the league.
The Blue Jays will need to build on their recent success to stay competitive in the series, requiring at least two wins in Seattle to extend the best-of-seven series back to Toronto. Scherzer believes in the team’s resilience, having witnessed their ability to bounce back from challenges throughout the season, including numerous come-from-behind victories. “We’re a great team,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of the upcoming games, which are critical for the Blue Jays’ postseason journey.
As the team continues to strive for success, Scherzer embodies the drive and determination that could lead the Blue Jays to advance further in the playoffs. The anticipation ahead of Game 4 underscores the excitement and unpredictability of postseason baseball.