The Texas Rangers received some great news regarding their right-handed ace pitcher, Max Scherzer. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Scherzer is progressing well from his December back surgery and may not open the season on the 60-day injured list, meaning he could return to the rotation sometime in May.
Max Scherzer progressing well. Chris Young says he’s guessing Scherzer won’t be placed on the 60-day IL. Which suggests a possible return in May.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 27, 2024
In addition to that tremendous news, Scherzer was spotted playing catch Wednesday, according to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. The three-time Cy Young winner is in the initial stages of his throwing program as he recovers from his herniated disc in his back. Manager Bruce Bochy hoped for a June return for the eight-time All-Star. However, that may be coming sooner than they’d initially hoped.The 39-year-old was cleared for baseball activity earlier this month, and is clearly progressing well.
Scherzer joined the Rangers in July 2023 during the MLB trade deadline. He started in eight games for the Rangers and posted a 4-2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 45 innings. He pitched in three postseason games in 2023 as he helped lead the Rangers to their first-ever World Series title in franchise history.
Bailey Orr/Texas Rangers/Getty Images
Injuries have been a constant theme for Scherzer over the last handful of seasons. In the 2021 postseason as a Dodger, he suffered from a “dead arm.” In 2022, it was more of his oblique injuries as a member of the New York Mets. Last season, it was a shoulder strain while with Texas late last season.
This offseason, it was back surgery, but Scherzer appears to be making great progress.
The two-time World Series champion has already accomplished just about everything a pitcher could achieve in Major League Baseball.
However, he wants to help the Rangers do something that hasn’t been done since the 1998-2000 Yankees — winning back-to-back World Series championships.
Scherzer is primed to get back on the mound and lead the Rangers to another title. It won’t be easy, as many teams in their division and around the league have reloaded. Nonetheless, the anticipation for his return is palpable.
The Rangers will also await the return of their other star arms, fellow righties Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle. The Rangers are depleted to the core with their arms, but if they get healthy, they’ll look to repeat as MLB champions.
The Rangers open their season on Thursday, March 28 as they welcome the Chicago Cubs into town for three games. Nathan Eovaldi is getting the start in Scherzer and deGrom’s absence.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.