Max Scherzer came off the injured list and promptly reached another milestone.
Unfortunately for Scherzer, it didn't stop his seasonlong struggles.
The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher reached 3,500 strikeouts when he caught Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber looking at an 86 mph changeup to begin the game Wednesday night.
Scherzer raised his arm as fans rose for a brief standing ovation before Trea Turner's at-bat.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, Scherzer is the 11th pitcher in big league history with 3,500 strikeouts. Walter Johnson (3,509) is 10th on baseball's career list.
Scherzer's former teammate Justin Verlander (3,554) is the only other active pitcher to reach the mark.
Scherzer added to his tally by striking out Turner, but Bryce Harper followed with a home run that bounced off the top of the wall in left field.
Alec Bohm made it 4-0 with a three-run homer in the third. Scherzer has made six starts and given up nine home runs in 22 innings.
Scherzer struck out four in 3â…“ innings, pushing his career total to 3,503. He exited after an infield single by Justin Crawford. Schwarber greeted Mason Fluharty with a homer to make it 6-0. The Phillies went on to win 7-4.
Scherzer walked three and gave up five runs and five hits. His ERA rose from 9.64 to 10.23.
Toronto activated Scherzer off the 15-day injured list (right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation) before the game. He hadn't pitched since giving up seven runs in 2â…“ innings against Cleveland on April 24.
Right-hander Connor Seabold was designated for assignment.
Scherzer returned to the reigning American League champions in February, signing a $3 million, one-year contract.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
