**When Rangers’ Max Scherzer Could Make Injury Return**
It appears that Max Scherzer is set to make his 2024 season debut for the Texas Rangers.
Scherzer has not pitched this season due to back surgery in the offseason and subsequent setbacks in his rehab process. However, he is expected to return to the mound in the coming days.
Initially aiming for a May return, Scherzer encountered a nerve issue affecting his thumb to triceps area, delaying his second and third rehab starts after pitching 2.1 innings for the Triple-A Round Rock Express on April 24. In his rehab, he pitched a total of 11 innings, allowing six earned runs (a 4.91 ERA) and striking out 17 batters.
According to Stephen Hawkins of the Associated Press, Scherzer is now ready to rejoin the Rangers’ rotation. With Andrew Heaney and Michael Lorenzen set to start the final two games against the New York Mets, Scherzer is expected to make his season debut this weekend against the Kansas City Royals.
“I’m ready to get back out there…I’m just trying to rejoin the rotation wherever they want to reinsert me,” Scherzer stated.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy was pleased with Scherzer’s rehab progress. Meanwhile, Jacob deGrom, another key pitcher, is still working on his recovery and has thrown off the mound for the first time since his surgery. Both pitchers aim to stay healthy for the remainder of the season and help improve the team’s performance.
Currently, the Rangers have a 33-39 record, positioning them in contention for second place in the AL West but still needing improvement. Injuries to key players such as Scherzer, Jonah Heim, Josh Jung, Evan Carter, Nathaniel Lowe, and Josh Sborz have hindered the team’s potential.
Michael Lorenzen has been a standout performer this season with a 2.86 ERA in 11 starts (66.0 innings), providing unexpected but much-needed stability. Jon Gray (3.31 ERA in 65.1 innings) and Nathan Eovaldi (3.15 ERA in 60.0 innings) have also been solid, while Kirby Yates has excelled out of the bullpen, allowing only three earned runs in 24.1 innings and striking out 34.4 percent of batters faced.
Despite the patched-up pitching staff, the Rangers’ offensive production has been disappointing. The outfield has underperformed, and players like Lowe and Heim have not met their usual standards. While Corey Seager and Marcus Semien continue to perform well, and Josh Smith has shown occasional hot streaks, the team’s offense needs to improve significantly for them to defend their title effectively.
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