The Texas Rangers are heading to the ALCS, and it’s possible they’ll be with their biggest weapon.
Ace Max Scherzer gave an update on Friday about how he’s recovering from his latest right shoulder injury.
Prior to that, Scherzer boasted a 3.20 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 45 innings since sporting the Rangers colors.
“I recovered,” Scherzer told reporters, including MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry. “I checked all the boxes I possibly can. I’m ready to go. I respect what Houston can do. They’re obviously a great team. I’ve got to bring my A-game.”
Scherzer, who was acquired by the Mets during the trade deadline, landed on the injured list on Sept. 13 with a low grade strain “of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder.”
Since then, he’s upped his rehab and was throwing live batting practice on Wednesday followed by a bullpen session and some fielding practice.
“We’ve been talking through this whole process with the doctors as well, about where we thought this should trend, what we should be feeling,” Scherzer said. “We all have a hand in this, and we’re all trying to make the best decision possible.”
Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux also said he’s encouraged about the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s progress.
He’s also been throwing simulation games. Even the day after the Rangers won the NLDS.
“It was a weird sim game,” Scherzer told The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant. “I don’t usually pitch hungover.”
Should he return, the rotation will get Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jordan Montgomery off the top.
That’s great news for the Rangers who will face the Houston Astros in a best-of-five series that begins Monday.
[MLB.com]
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.