Rangers’ Max Scherzer Jokes About Hungover Sim Game as He Nears Return for ALCS

The eight-time All-Star appears to be in good spirits ahead of Texas’s showdown with the Astros.

After over a month away from action, Rangers ace Max Scherzer appears closer to a return for the American League Championship Series against the Astros. And, the star pitcher, apparently, feels very good about his chances of playing.

Scherzer, who last pitched on Sept. 12, raised eyebrows this week in the aftermath of the Rangers’ ALDS win over the Orioles as he continues to work his way back from a strained teres major muscle behind his right shoulder. 

On Wednesday, after an encouraging 68-pitch simulated game, Scherzer gave a clear impression he was in good spirits about his status, cracking a joke about his velocity after vigorously celebrating Tuesday’s series-clinching victory.

“Well, it was kind of a weird sim game. I don’t often pitch hungover,” said Scherzer, per The Dallas Morning News.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer pitched a simulated game on Wednesday, ahead of a potential return for the ALCS against the Astros :: Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports

The good times continued to roll on Friday as Scherzer gave reporters a positive update on the possibility of being named to the ALCS roster, which Texas doesn’t have to submit until 11 a.m. ET on Sunday.

“I feel normal,” Scherzer said, via the Morning News. “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 it remains to be seen if the Rangers clear Scherzer, the eight-time All-Star’s comments suggest he could rejoin the bullpen in time for Sunday’s Game 1. Since joining Texas via a trade from the Mets on Aug. 1, Scherzer has posted a 4–2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 45 innings prior to his injury.