Max Scherzer Had Four Words After Leaving Yankees Game Early

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 10:17 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer made just his third start of the 2025 MLB season on Monday. Signed to a one-year, $15.5 million contract by Toronto in the offseason, Scherzer was sidelined just three innings into his season debut with a thumb injury that ended up costing him nearly three months on the injured list.

Returning from injury against the Cleveland Guardians last week, Scherzer went five innings and made 83 pitches. The veteran right-hander surrendered six hits and three earned runs, but the most important news was him exiting the game healthy and without any thumb issues.

Facing the New York Yankees on Monday, Scherzer returned to the mound for his third start of the season. After throwing 83 pitches against Cleveland, Scherzer told reporters he could have thrown about 10 more, which indicated the possibility of more length his next outing ( via Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).

Instead, Scherzer exiting on Monday after just 71 pitches. Making this even more strange, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was pitching well. He has surrendered just three hits and two runs while striking out seven batters and not issuing a walk.

Following what ended up being his departure from the game, Scherzer reportedly told manager John Schneider, "I think that's it."

as Scherzer left the field following the fifth, he appeared to tell Schneider "I think that's it," indicating that he was done after 71 pitches https://t.co/f8GfVp9oEA
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 1, 2025

This indicated he removed himself from the game. Speaking with reporters after the 5-4 win, Schneider said Scherzer is dealing with fatigue in his thumb (via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com).

In 13 innings of work this season, Scherzer owns a 4.85 ERA wit 12 strikeouts and a 1.15 WHIP. An eight-time All-Star, Scherzer is second only to his former teammate Justin Verlander in strikeouts among active pitchers.

A future Hall of Fame pitcher, Scherzer is now 40 years old, and the recent health issues have reflected that.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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