A mechanical adjustment helped the right-hander overcome a nerve issue that was keeping him from getting past some shoulder fatigue.
ARLINGTON — Max Scherzer says he’s ready to pitch again, hopes to be back in the Texas Rangers’ rotation soon if things go well after a rehab start in the coming days, and wants to pitch in 2025.
If that sounds familiar, well, it should. Things haven’t gone well physically for Scherzer for much of the season, especially a nerve issue that has toyed with him, and he knows it.
The Rangers, though, appear ready to give him a chance to pitch again this season after he struck on a mechanical issue causing him to have difficulty throwing. He has changed his arm slot slightly and threw a bullpen session Friday pain-free.
“I’m not injured,” Scherzer said. “Yeah, I have a nerve issue, and that raises some red flags and I get it. But this wasn’t something structurally wrong with my elbow or my shoulder. For whatever reason, I was in a bad mechanic, and if that’s what alleviates the nerve, it’s been a painful learning lesson but I’d rather be pitching healthy than not.”
Double A Frisco is home next week, so Scherzer will likely head there once the Rangers map out his plan. He said he needs only one rehab outing because he has been able to keep throwing for the most part since landing on the injured list a few weeks ago.
Scherzer’s return could coincide with the return of Jacob deGrom, who will make two more rehab starts before coming off the injured list after a long recovery from Tommy John surgery. The first is scheduled for Saturday at Triple A Round Rock.
Scherzer, 40, also said that he is planning to pitch in 2025 and knows he must show that he can. That’s one reason he wants to return this season, but another is that he still loves to compete and is frustrated that he hasn’t been able to do so.
“I definitely want to get out there and pitch and show them I’m healthy,” he said.
Tyler Mahle might not pitch again this season as he deals with shoulder fatigue following his first three starts back from Tommy John surgery. He will begin a throwing program soon, but manager Bruce Bochy said that the right-hander at least two or three weeks away.
The Rangers have four weeks left in the season.
Josh Sborz is also trying to come back. He had another injection in his shoulder after making two rehab appearances and will need at least one more after the shot before the Rangers would consider reinstating him from the IL.
Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com
