Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer last took the field in Game 3 of last season's World Series, tossing three shutout innings in a 3-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The three-time Cy Young Award winner then went down with a back injury, robbing him the opportunity of helping the Rangers defend their crown so far this year.
However, Scherzer announced he'll be back Sunday, via MLB.com's Kennedi Landry.
“Max Scherzer says he’s pitching tomorrow in the series finale against the Royals,” Landry tweeted.
Further details came out shortly after, via Texas Rangers PR.
“RHP Max Scherzer is expected to start for the Rangers in tomorrow’s series finale against Kansas City at Globe Life Field,” the Rangers tweeted. “He is scheduled to be activated from the 60-day Injured List (rehab from back surgery) pre-game on Sunday, and will be seeking his season debut.”
Will the 39-year-old recapture his vintage form this season?
The Rangers desperately need Scherzer's help
Scherzer had some bumps in the road amid a long rehab process, via rangerstoday.com's Jeff Wilson.
“Max Scherzer said he showed a loss in grip strength after his second rehab start, hence the extra caution shown by the #Rangers,” Wilson tweeted. “He says all is good now.”
Scherzer also had a thumb issue, which is why he couldn't grip the ball properly. However, the eight-time All-Star remains in good spirits as he prepares to finally rejoin the team, via the Associated Press's Stephen Hawkins.
“I’m ready to get back out there. … I’m just trying to rejoin the rotation wherever they want to reinsert me,” Scherzer said.
At 35-40, Texas could use a few shutdown Scherzer performances to help it gain ground in the AL wild-card race. The Rangers are currently five-and-a-half games behind the Minnesota Twins for the third and final spot.
In other good news, third baseman Josh Jung is also returning after fracturing his hand the first week of the season, via Wilson.
“Josh Jung says he thinks he could return Monday to #Rangers, but those discussions are still ongoing and above his pay grade,” Wilson tweeted. “Wrist feels somewhat stiff when he swings.”
Jung was an All-Star last season, slashing .266/.315/.467 with 23 homers and 70 RBI. Texas will hope that he can infuse some life into the lineup, as the squad is collectively hitting just .237, good for 17th in the league.
With one crucial player coming back on each side of the ball, the Rangers are running out of excuses to not return to contending status.
Follow Us
Subscribe