It’s no secret that Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer is not nearly what he once was.
Although he’s never been the most clutch pitcher in the world, you could usually count on Mad Max to bulldog his way through an outing.
Now, at the age of 39-years-old, it seems his body is slowly but surely breaking down.
He was forced to leave last night’s crucial Game 3 prior to the start of the fourth inning due to back spasms.
It should be noted that he was sharp prior to his departure. However, you have to wonder how much you can count on him going forward.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Scherzer revealed that the severity of his condition would be clearer in the next two to three days.
He emphasized that this wasn’t the first time he had experienced such discomfort, expressing hope that it would clear up within 48-72 hours, but acknowledged the possibility that it could worsen.
Max Scherzer says his back is not a strain, but a spasm. Says he’s had this happen before and clear in 48-72 hours, and other times it has been worse. Won’t know which this is for a couple of days.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) October 31, 2023
The incident that might have triggered Scherzer’s back issue occurred in the bottom of the second inning when he was struck by an Alek Thomas batted ball in the lower back.
It remains uncertain whether the impact or a reflexive movement caused his back tightness.
In Scherzer’s absence, right-handed pitcher Jon Gray stepped up, delivering three scoreless innings and contributing significantly to the Rangers’ 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.
This setback for Scherzer arrives just after his return to the Rangers rotation from a strained muscle in his right shoulder in mid-September.
Originally expected to miss at least two months due to the injury, Scherzer managed to rejoin the team ahead of the American League Championship Series, making two starts against the Astros, albeit with below-par performances.
The moment Max Scherzer knew he couldn't go any longer pic.twitter.com/kXkNaAet7d
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 31, 2023
Do you think we will see Scherzer again this series?
Are the Rangers better without him???