Scherzer: Starting in World Series 'means everything'

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer isn't taking for granted that he's starting Monday's Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"This is what you play for, to be able to get to this spot, to get to this moment, to have a shot at it." Scherzer told reporters Saturday. "You just think about all - throughout your whole life all the different things that have unfolded, and (I'm) just so fortunate to have another crack at this.

"I mean, there's so many great players that have never gotten to a World Series, so many great players where they only have one World Series. With Donnie (Mattingly) on our team, you know, he's gone his whole career and now this is his first moment. So, I absolutely respect playing in a World Series, what that means, and absolutely cherish these opportunities. When I get a chance to get the ball, man, this means everything."

Scherzer has made four World Series starts over his storied 18-year career. The 41-year-old allowed a combined seven earned runs on 21 hits with 10 walks and 19 strikeouts over 19 1/3 innings with the 2012 Detroit Tigers, 2019 Washington Nationals, and 2023 Texas Rangers.

The three-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer saved the Blue Jays' season in Game 4 of the ALCS, surrendering two earned runs on three hits with four walks and five strikeouts across 5 2/3 innings to record the win in his only start of the 2025 postseason.

The Blue Jays and Dodgers are tied at one game apiece as the series shifts to Los Angeles for the next three contests.