Max Scherzer Set to Make 2024 Debut with the Rangers
Finally, the Texas Rangers are finally getting a much-needed bolster in their pitching rotation. It was announced that starting pitcher Max Scherzer is set to make his 2024 debut today against the Kansas City Royals. Last offseason, Scherzer had surgery to fix a herniated disc in his back and then dealt with thumb soreness and nerve inflammation that further delayed his return to the mound. Now at 39 years of age, the two-time World Series champion, must help the Rangers turn their season around, and enter the postseason conversation.
Last season, Scherzer recorded a 12-6 record through 27 starts with both the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers. In 152 and two third innings pitched; the two-time World Series champion pitcher put up a 3.77 ERA with 174 strikeouts. During the 2023 postseason, he made three starts on the mound. Scherzer posted a 0-1 record. In close to 10 innings of postseason pitching, he had an ERA of 6.52, as he allowed seven runs on 11 hits with seven strikeouts. At 36-40, the Rangers are currently seven and a half games behind the first-place Seattle Mariners, however, they’re only a half-game behind the second-place Houston Astros in the AL West division.
Scherzer said, "I'm just champing at the bit to get out there. I've been doing this for six weeks now. It's extremely frustrating, but I got to turn the page. That's the hand I've been dealt. Now I've got a chance to go out there and just want to go out there and help the team win." Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy said, "I'm excited about Scherzer's return. "I know he is too. … This really makes us a better staff. We saw it last year when guys went down there to help out. It really helps that the bullpen can eat, not just innings, but quality innings. Dane is so good about that. We saw what a difference he made when he helped us in the bullpen." Can the Texas Rangers turn their season around?
