Max Scherzer can do some things very few pitchers can on an MLB mound. That list includes screaming at his own manager without repercussions during a critical playoff game.
Scherzer, who has been dealing with thumb injury woes throughout the season, was named the Toronto Blue Jays’ starter for Thursday’s ALCS Game 4 against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash. He was projected to be limited to around 70 pitches in his first game action in almost a month.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner performed much better than expected. He allowed just one earned run on three hits and three walks through 4.2 innings. With Scherzer’s pitch count at 78, John Schneider came out of the dugout to pull his starter, one out away from being eligible for the win.
Another look at the conversation on the mound between Max Scherzer and Jays Manager John Schneider 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wVqqx7dWEt
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 17, 2025
To say that Scherzer disagreed with the decision would be a gross understatement. He screamed at Schneider to turn back, which the skipper did without giving it much thought. It felt like one of the shortest mound visits in MLB history.
Scherzer repaid Scheider’s trust (or subservience, depending on how one sees it) by striking out Randy Arozarena on four pitches to end the inning.
Max Scherzer strikes out out Randy Arozarena to get through five and is PUMPED pic.twitter.com/9DDKFk8Hmn
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 17, 2025
Scherzer ended up staying for the bottom of the sixth inning to face Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez. He got both Mariners stars out on five pitches. He finished his night with two earned runs allowed on three hits and four walks across 5.2 innings pitched. Mad Max also had five strikeouts.
With multiple Cy Young trophies and two World Series rings to his name, Scherzer has more than enough pull to overrule a four-year manager like Schneider. The 41-year-old reminded everyone of why on Thursday.
