Overview
- Scherzer publicly suggested the rule in comments shared via Jomboy Media and MLBFITS, saying starters should be required to throw about 100 pitches or seven innings before being removed.
- The proposal was reported over the weekend and Monday by multiple outlets and comes while Scherzer struggles through a difficult 2026 season that has included forearm and ankle injuries.
- In his first start back against the Philadelphia Phillies he threw 82 pitches in 3.1 innings, allowed five runs, and also struck out Kyle Schwarber to reach 3,500 career strikeouts.
- Major League Baseball and the players’ union have not endorsed the idea and adoption is uncertain because a pitch minimum would alter injury management, roster strategy and manager discretion.
- The proposal highlights a larger debate in baseball about protecting pitchers through pitch counts and early hooks versus restoring longer outings, and it would require rule changes and club and union buy‑in to take effect.