On September 13, almost two weeks ago, the Texas Rangers placed right-hander Max Scherzer on the 15-day injured list with a right teres major strain.
He suffered the injury on September 12, and that’s the last day he pitched.
Initially, it was believed he would miss between 8-12 weeks.
That meant he was out for the rest of the regular season and according to GM Chris Young, probably out for the playoffs, too.
But Scherzer is known for being stubborn and competitive.
That’s a bad combination when it comes to letting injuries heal, but we are talking about a 39-year-old pitcher who used to be the best in the league, or among the best, not long ago.
He recognizes this is a unique opportunity to achieve his second World Series triumph, and he wants to help the team that traded for him at the deadline.
Is there a chance Scherzer makes it back for the postseason?
Per Rangers insider Evan Grant, Young upped his throwing intensity.
Max Scherzer upped his throwing game again on Monday. This guy. https://t.co/7gdpDfTGhY
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) September 26, 2023
Scherzer was able to make just eight starts after being acquired at the trade deadline from the New York Mets.
He has a 3.20 ERA in a Rangers uniform.
Still, he refuses to go down and out for the 2023 season.
He is still not particularly close from returning from the IL, but he is increasing intensity and if the Rangers make a deep run, they might be able to have their star pitcher back for the AL Championship Series or the Fall Classic.
It’s obviously all speculation at this point: his return will be dictated by his evolution.
So far, so good, though.
NEXT: The Rangers Quickly Flipped An AL West Narrative
