Max Scherzer Respects Rehab Process, Throws Batting Practice After Texas Rangers Workout

Veteran starter Max Scherzer is trying to get himself ready to return from the injured list during the Texas Rangers' playoff run.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer threw what amounted to two innings of batting practice on Friday in Baltimore, as the club evaluates whether he can help them in the American League Divisional Series or beyond.

Scherzer threw after the Rangers completed their batting practice and on-field workouts in advance of Game 1 of the best-of-five series against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Saturday’s start time is noon CT.

He’s not expected to start Game 1. Since he suffered a low-grade strain of his teres major muscle in his right shoulder in mid-September, the Rangers have characterized his chances of returning in the postseason as “unlikely.” The typical recovery time for an injury like this is 8-12 weeks.

Yet more Scherzer pic.twitter.com/VhFAYVPFri

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) October 6, 2023

But the further the Rangers advance in the playoffs, the better the chances might get.

Scherzer spoke briefly to reporters after his throwing session, telling them the biggest issue right now is recovery.

“I respect what I’m dealing with,” he said, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Scherzer has been adamant about wanting to return during the playoffs. He threw a bullpen session as the Rangers were sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round earlier this week. During that session, his performance was characterized as “finally” letting loose.

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

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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