Scherzer surpasses Niekro for 11th on all-time strikeout list
Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer now ranks 11th on the all-time strikeout list after recording the 3,343rd K of his illustrious career Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Career strikeout No. 3,343 moves Max Scherzer past Phil Niekro and into 11th place on the all-time list! pic.twitter.com/nSNT0IaXD6
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2023
Scherzer surpassed Hall of Famer and five-time All-Star Phil Niekro in the ranks. The momentous punchout came against Brewers second baseman Brice Turang.
The three-time Cy Young winner finished with four strikeouts to give him 3,344. He only lasted 3 2/3 innings in a 6-2 loss against Milwaukee.
Next up for Scherzer - MLB's active strikeout leader - is Greg Maddux, who recorded 3,371 over his career.
| Rank | Pitcher | Strikeout |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nolan Ryan | 5714 |
| 2 | Randy Johnson | 4875 |
| 3 | Roger Clemens | 4672 |
| 4 | Steve Carlton | 4136 |
| 5 | Bert Blyleven | 3701 |
| 6 | Tom Seaver | 3640 |
| 7 | Don Sutton | 3574 |
| 8 | Gaylord Perry | 3534 |
| 9 | Walter Johnson | 3508 |
| 10 | Maddux | 3371 |
| 11 | Scherzer | 3344 |
Every pitcher above Scherzer on the list, except for Clemens, is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.