A message from Max Scherzer on retirement ahead of his final start of the season

Max Scherzer says he has not yet decided whether his scheduled start against the Cincinnati Reds will be the final appearance of his MLB career. The Toronto Blue Jays pitcher said he has targeted this game for several weeks, among other things to play in front of his children, and admitted he does not know if it could be the last.

According to Bleacher Report, Scherzer has made 18 starts this season, with a 6.14 ERA and 1.365 WHIP over 77.2 innings, while spending much of the year on the injured list. He dealt with thumb problems during his first season in Toronto, while this season he had absences due to right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation and back spasms; earlier he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays.

Scherzer said he feels better near the start of the offseason and has discussed the situation with his close circle; he will decide on playing next year later in the short term, after seeing how circumstances evolve, including the scenario of the conclusion of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement.

This upcoming start could end a 19-year MLB career for Scherzer, who won three Cy Young awards and lifted the World Series trophy with the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers; his health, the Blue Jays’ reaction after missing the playoffs and CBA negotiations will influence his future as a free agent ahead of his age-43 season, as Bleacher Report reports.