Max Scherzer Makes Remarkable Comeback, Ready to Boost Rangers in AL Championship Series
In an incredible turn of events, Max Scherzer appears to have made a remarkable comeback from a season-ending injury and is now poised to join the Texas Rangers in the upcoming AL Championship Series. Just a month ago, it seemed unlikely that Scherzer would be able to participate in any postseason play due to a teres major strain, as confirmed by Rangers GM Chris Young. However, Scherzer wasted no time in starting his recovery by engaging in light baseball activities and steadily increasing his workload.
On Wednesday, Scherzer threw a 68-pitch simulated game, followed by a bullpen session and fielding drills. Speaking to reporters, Scherzer expressed his readiness to contribute to the team, stating, I’ve pressed all the buttons I can. I’m ready to go… I feel normal. That’s all I can say. All I can do is describe what I feel like, and if I have an issue, I have to let them know. But my arm feels fresher.
While the final decision on Scherzer’s participation will be officially announced when the Rangers submit their ALCS roster on Sunday, all signs indicate that the seasoned pitcher will be a valuable addition to the team. With the prospect of having a future Hall-of-Famer on their pitching staff, the Rangers are undoubtedly thrilled about the potential boost Scherzer brings.
As for the pitching lineup in the ALCS, Jordan Montgomery has been named the Game 1 starter, followed by Nathan Eovaldi for Game 2. Scherzer, along with Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning, are potential candidates to start Game 3. However, it is likely that Scherzer will have a shorter leash to avoid overtaxing his arm. In such a scenario, a piggyback situation with Heaney, Dunning, or Martin Perez could be employed. Jon Gray, who has been recovering from forearm tightness, might also be included on the ALCS roster, providing another X-factor.
Scherzer’s regular-season performance has been notable, with a 3.77 ERA over 152 2/3 innings split between the New York Mets and the Rangers. The midseason trade from the Mets to Texas came as a surprise, considering the Mets’ success the previous year when they won 101 games. However, following a lackluster first half, the Mets decided to part ways with several veterans, including Scherzer, in a blockbuster deal.
The official Game 3 starter for the Rangers will likely be determined by the outcome of the first two games in the series, thus delaying the announcement until after Game 2 on Monday.
In conclusion, Max Scherzer’s remarkable comeback and potential inclusion in the AL Championship Series roster have injected excitement and optimism into the Texas Rangers’ playoff run. Fans eagerly await the final decision, which will undoubtedly impact the series and further solidify Scherzer’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest pitchers.
