Max Scherzer Pushing to Join Texas Rangers Postseason Roster

Max Scherzer is throwing a live batting practice on Friday, his most significant rehab step since being injured in mid-September.

The chances of Max Scherzer being added to the Texas Rangers postseason roster likely depends on the results of throwing a live batting practice on Friday, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

The three-time Cy Young winner is attempting to return the active roster after suffering a low-grade strain of his teres major muscle in his right shoulder in mid-September. Though the Rangers never gave an estimate on his recovery time period, similar injuries normally require an 8-12 week rehab.

Max Scherzer will throw live batting practice Friday, as the Rangers work to determine if/when he can be part of their postseason staff.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 5, 2023

Scherzer, however, has been adamant about wanting to return during the playoffs. The Rangers advanced to the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round.

The best-of-five series with the Orioles begins Saturday at Camden Yards.

In the past couple of weeks, Scherzer has been ramping up his rehab work. The right-hander threw his second bullpen session before Wednesday’s 7-1 win that eliminated the Rays.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Scherzer was elated to “finally” let loose on the mound. He threw a light bullpen session last week, the first significant action since the injury occurred on Sept. 12.

Max Scherzer celebrated with the Rangers after clinching a spot in the ALDS / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

“Last week was a light bullpen, this one was real,” Scherzer told the paper. “I was able to step on it more. And it was pain-free.”

With the Rangers bullpen struggles and lack of pitching depth, perhaps Scherzer could be used in relief appearances if he’s activated.

Scherzer was 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 45 innings since joining the Rangers via a trade on Aug. 1. Scherzer is 7-7 with one save in 27 postseason appearances, with a 3.58 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 133 1/3 innings.

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