Max Scherzer’s Rehab Start Fuels Optimism for Rangers Ace’s Return
Max Scherzer is edging closer to a comeback for the Texas Rangers.
The future Hall of Fame pitcher made his first professional start since April on Sunday, pitching four scoreless innings for the Rangers’ Triple-A team. This marked his second start since undergoing surgery in December.
Scherzer struck out five batters, allowing just two base runners. He was pulled after walking the leadoff batter in the fifth inning, having thrown 53 pitches, 37 of which were strikes.
Turning 40 just before the July 30 trade deadline, Scherzer will be a free agent after the season. These upcoming months could be pivotal, potentially marking the final stretch of his illustrious career, though he hasn’t indicated any plans to retire.
Some pitchers have extended their careers into their 40s, like Scherzer’s former teammate Justin Verlander, who is still performing well at 41 with the Houston Astros. Scherzer possesses the competitive drive to continue, but his physical condition will be a determining factor.
What transpires between now and October will indicate if Scherzer plans to retire. The Rangers could benefit greatly from a vintage Scherzer to bolster their playoff push. If the three-time Cy Young Award winner remains in top form, he could attract a significant contract offer for his 17th MLB season in 2025.
The Rangers acquired Scherzer last July. He won four of his eight starts, posting a 3.20 ERA with 53 strikeouts. After missing a month late in the season, he returned to pitch 9.2 innings across three postseason starts, recording a 6.52 ERA. His final outing was three scoreless innings in Game 3 of the World Series before exiting with a back injury.
Rangers Navigate Injuries to Stay Competitive
The Rangers are 31-34 as of June 10, trailing the first-place Seattle Mariners by five games in the AL West and three games out of a wild card spot. Their performance is notable given the numerous injuries they’ve faced this season.
Currently, Texas has 11 players from its 40-man roster on the injured list. Wyatt Langford, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray have recently returned from injuries.
So far, the Rangers have used 23 pitchers and 43 players in total through 64 games, compared to 48 players used last season.
Despite the injury challenges, the Rangers’ rotation has performed respectably, delivering 25 quality starts. The trio of Eovaldi, Gray, and Michael Lorenzen boasts a combined 2.62 ERA in 32 appearances and 30 starts.
Incorporating a healthy and motivated Max Scherzer, alongside Jacob deGrom, could provide the Rangers with a formidable rotation for the second half of the season. A defending World Series champion with a strong rotation is a force to be reckoned with.
The Rangers have demonstrated their potential when healthy. Having won a World Series last year without deGrom, they possess talent comparable to any team in MLB. Don’t expect Texas to back down this season.
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