Today is the day that all Texas Rangers fans have been waiting for. Today is the first SCHERZDAY of the 2024 season! Just prior to today’s series finale with the Kansas City Royals, the Texas Rangers announced that right-handed pitcher Mad Max Scherzer was being activated from the 60-day injured list following a lengthy rehab due to an off-season back surgery and a nerve issue in his throwing arm. It was also announced that right-handed pitcher Yerry Rodriguez was being optioned back to the Round Rock Express to clear a roster spot for Scherzer to be activated.
By the Numbers
Max Scherzer made a total of three starts for the Minor League squads this season, all for the Round Rock Express. His first start was on April 24th vs the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. He struggled through 2.1 innings of work, allowing five hits, three runs, all earned, two home runs, and struck out four before he was lifted from the game. His second start was set to come about a week later for the Frisco RoughRiders. However, the team announced that the start would not come due to an issue with his throwing hand following his first start. Scherzer’s second start came on June 9th against the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, where he looked much more like himself. He pitched 4.0 innings of shutout baseball, allowing only one hit and one walk while striking out five. His third and final rehab start came on June 15th against Tacoma. He allowed four hits, three runs, all earned, one home run, and two walks, but he struck out eight across 4.2 innings of work.
Following his final rehab start, Scherzer returned to Arlington, where he was evaluated by the team’s physicians and cleared to rejoin the Rangers rotation. It was first reported that yesterday, June 22nd, was to be his first start; however, the team quickly put those rumors to rest by announcing that Jon Gray, not Scherzer, would take the mound on Saturday. During Saturday’s pregame show, manager Bruce Bochy announced that Scherzer would start Sunday’s game with Dane Dunning returning to the bullpen to back Scherzer. The Texas Rangers rotation now stands thus: Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Max Scherzer, Michael Lorenzen, and Andrew Heaney.
