The Texas Rangers hopes for a long postseason run have been dealt a major blow as their star pitcher, Max Scherzer, is set to miss the remainder of the regular season and is considered “unlikely” to pitch in the postseason.
This unfortunate turn of events comes after Scherzer suffered a strain in his upper arm during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night.
General Manager Chris Young announced the disheartening news on Wednesday, expressing the team’s concerns about Scherzer’s injury: “Max has been a tremendous asset to the team since joining us, and it’s a tough break for all of us that he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the regular season.”
Max Scherzer is out for the remainder of the regular season with a low-grade teres major strain.
He is 'unlikely' to pitch in the postseason, per Chris Young. pic.twitter.com/2WTZrWHvfw
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 13, 2023
Scherzer, acquired by the Rangers in a high-profile trade with the New York Mets earlier this season, had quickly become a key figure in the rotation. In eight starts for the Rangers, he maintained a 3.20 ERA before the injury sidelined him.
The injury was identified as a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle, a significant but non-surgical setback.
Typically, low-grade teres major strains require at least a month of rest and rehabilitation, raising doubts about whether Scherzer would be available even if the Rangers make it to the playoffs.
“I’ve got to listen to what my body says,” Scherzer said. “I’ll throw a ball when I can throw a ball, but it sounds like I’m not going to be able to throw a ball for a little bit.”
Young added that the timing of Scherzer’s injury doesn’t align with the team’s schedule to provide him adequate rest. While not ruling out a postseason return entirely, Young admitted it’s “probably unlikely” at this point.
Scherzer was expected to be a linchpin in their playoff push, especially with the loss of other key pitchers, including fellow former Met Jacob deGrom.
Despite his absence, the team remains optimistic about their playoff chances.
“This team has shown a ton of resolve all season long,” Young said. “Here we are in a great position to make a run here at the end of the season and make a playoff push.”
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, remains under contract with the Rangers for next season, offering hope for a comeback.
Mad Max is clearly past his prime – but do you think he will ever regain even a shred of the dominant form he used to have?
Without Scherzer, what do you think of the Rangers playoff chances?