Max Scherzer’s Birthday Start Sparks Debate
On his 42nd birthday, future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer took the mound for his seventh start of the season, his first since June 10, while wearing a Toronto Blue Jays uniform at Nationals Park. The veteran right‑hander was met with a roaring ovation from the home crowd, a reminder of his World Series pedigree with Washington in 2019.
Early Struggles and Quick Exit
Scherzer’s night got off to a rocky start when he surrendered the game’s first hit on the opening pitch. He recorded two straight strikeouts before a fielding error by Alejandro Kirk allowed a baserunner to reach. The inning ended with a groundout, but the outing was cut short after 75 pitches, during which he logged four strikeouts, four stolen bases and a walk. He left the game with two outs in the third inning, drawing another appreciative round of applause.
Key Takeaways from the Game
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Hustle
In the fifth inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turned a sharply hit ball into a double by sliding head‑first into second base, his 17th double of the season. The play sparked a brief controversy when he was called out at home on a subsequent play, a decision the Jays contested but the umpire upheld.
Aric Kirk’s Slump
Back in March 2025, the Jays signed catcher Aric Kirk to a five‑year, $58 million extension, a move many praised. Yet in this outing he went 0‑for‑3 with a walk, dropping his batting average to .224. With limited catching depth in the organization, the club may find it difficult to part ways with him, though a lucrative trade could change that calculus before the August 3 deadline.
Luis Urias’ Solo Blast
Right‑hander Luis Urias, acquired from Arizona last month, delivered the night’s only home run—a 416‑foot solo shot in the third inning. While his stature may be modest, Urias has added pop to the lineup, posting half the home runs of Vlad Jr. despite the latter’s massive contract.
Looking Ahead: Trade Deadline and Next Start
The Blue Jays sit on the cusp of the MLB trade deadline. With Scherzer’s contract set to expire after the season, his performance could influence whether Toronto retains him or flips him for prospects. If he remains in the rotation, his next start is slated for the upcoming weekend. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber has been impressing in his recent outings, a factor that could boost his trade value as an impending free agent. The Nationals are expected to turn to right‑hander Cade Cavalli for the opener on Tuesday, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchups.
