Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer is making a faster-than-expected recovery from back surgery and could return to the lineup as early as May, according to reports.
Max Scherzer Ahead Of Schedule, Could Return In Early May https://t.co/LPpxmhixLT pic.twitter.com/akzDNbcbVC
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) April 19, 2024
Scherzer is set to throw 40 pitches against live hitters in his second session this week, indicating progress in his rehabilitation. The three-time Cy Young winner has been working on all his pitches and showing promising signs in his recovery.
This news comes as a relief to the Rangers, who have had multiple pitchers on the injured list. They called up former No. 2 overall pick Jack Leiter, but his performance did not meet expectations. The team has also seen struggles from veteran lefty Andrew Heaney.
The hope was that younger arms in their rotation could hold things together until the injured players returned. If Scherzer does come back in May, it could affect the rotation, potentially displacing Leiter and Heaney. Scherzer, who is in the final year of his contract, was performing well before his injury last season, but struggled in the playoffs.
Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer could make an early return in early May, contrary to initial expectations of a June or July comeback. He may even have his first minor-league rehab start next week after throwing 25 pitches of live batting practice.
Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, underwent surgery for a herniated disc in his back on December 15. General Manager Chris Young revealed that Scherzer tried numerous conservative pain management treatments without success, leading to the surgery.
Although Scherzer may not be a fantasy ace anymore, he still has the potential to deliver dominant performances if he can maintain his health.
Scherzer has experienced a relatively smooth recovery since his surgery, with no lingering nerve pain. Both he and manager Bruce Bochy are optimistic about his progress, feeling that they are turning the corner in terms of rehabilitation.
Despite the initial timeframe of a summer return, Scherzer seems to be on track to make a comeback before his 40th birthday in July. Bochy expressed his amazement at Scherzer’s ability to bounce back so well at his age.
Last season, Scherzer played eight starts for the Rangers before missing the end of the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs due to a strained shoulder.
He made two starts in the AL Championship Series but left Game 3 of the World Series early due to back discomfort, leading to his subsequent surgery.
Scherzer felt immediate relief after the surgery and has been following a normal ramp-up program in his recovery. Both Scherzer and Bochy are confident that he will be ready sooner than initially expected.
