When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Max Scherzer in a blockbuster deal with the Nationals at the trade deadline, they expected to get a future Hall of Famer still pitching like an All-Star in the twilight of his career. Instead, what they got was even better.

Scherzer has since put together one of the best stretches he’s ever had. As a Dodger, he’s 6-0 with an 0.88 ERA and 72 strikeouts in eight starts. His best start to date came Sunday, when he not only carried a perfect game into the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres, but also threw an immaculate inning and recorded his 3,000th career strikeout.

The run of dominance has vaulted Scherzer into the NL Cy Young conversation. PointsBet sportsbook posted its odds Monday and Scherzer was tied with teammate Walker Buehler for the best odds (+150) to win the award. The right-hander has already won Cy Young three times in his career, twice with the Nationals and once with the Detroit Tigers.

Right behind Scherzer and Buehler is Milwaukee Brewers starter Corbin Burnes (+160), forming a trio that’s separated itself from the rest of the field. Fellow Brewer Brandon Woodruff and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler are the next-closest candidates at +1000.

With his strong start Sunday, Scherzer lowered his MLB-leading ERA and WHIP to 2.17 and 0.821, respectively. He made 19 starts for the Nationals before being traded; those starts will factor into Scherzer’s candidacy for the award.

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