Baseball season has officially arrived! Pitchers and Catchers, along with much of the rest of the squad, have begun to arrive in Surprise, Arizona, the Spring Training home of the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers.
General Manager Chris Young gave an update on the three injured starting pitchers in a recent interview in Arizona. He states that all three are progressing as expected. Rangers ace Jacob deGrom began throwing this past week, and his first-day playing catch “went great.” His return is expected in August but depends entirely on how he progresses. Newcomer Tyler Mahle began throwing approximately six weeks ago, and his target return is set for sometime in July. Max Scherzer, who sustained a back injury during his final start of the 2023 season, has yet to begin throwing but is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Scherzer is projected to return to the mound in June.
Another injury update was given on Saturday afternoon. On his first day of exercise, Josh Jung retired from the field with calf soreness. Following an MRI, it was revealed that he had a calf strain and will be out for two to three weeks while he heals and the medical staff monitors the injury. With any luck, he shall return in peak form in time for Opening Day on March 28th, 2024.
Many promising prospects joining the squad for Spring Training could fill the void left by these injuries and those that could come during the season. Our eyes will undoubtedly be on the young Rangers as they develop their talents and make their debuts. This writer will be watching them with great interest as Spring Training continues.
