Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer connected by strikeouts, legacy

Key Points:

• Justin Verlander pitched the final game of his career on Saturday in Detroit, while Max Scherzer is expected to pitch on Sunday in Toronto, possibly marking the end of his own career.
• Together, Verlander and Scherzer have amassed 490 wins, over 6,600 innings pitched, and six Cy Young Awards across 40 years, including five seasons as teammates with the Detroit Tigers.
• The two remain close competitors, with Verlander currently holding a 10-strikeout lead over Scherzer on the all-time strikeout leaderboard, though both emphasize their focus is on competing and enjoying the game rather than chasing records.
• Both pitchers have battled injuries this season—Verlander with hip and hamstring issues, and Scherzer with thumb, forearm, back, and ankle problems—reflecting the physical toll of their long careers.
• Scherzer expressed admiration for Verlander’s career and the significance of their shared legacy, hinting that while Verlander’s career has ended, he may still have more seasons left to pitch and continue climbing the all-time strikeout list.