Max Scherzer Sets Possible World Series Return Timeline for Texas Rangers

Max Scherzer was dealing with back spasms, forcing the Texas Rangers' Game 3 starter leaver after three scoreless innings Monday night.

Max Scherzer isn’t ruling out coming back for the Texas Rangers in the World Series, but will have a better idea of his status in two days.

The Game 3 starter left after just three shutout innings with back spasms Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Rangers won 3-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series that resumes Tuesday night with Game 4.

Scherzer was feeling back tightness in the third inning and tried to stretch it out before the fourth. It didn’t work.

“My back tightened up and then it went into full spasm,” he said. “In the third inning we were trying everything to kind of stretch it out and try to get going. Went out there to warm up in the fourth and I tried and I was going to hurt it even more and I wasn’t going to be myself, so I think at that point that’s why I came out of the game.”

Rangers pitcher Jon Gray threw three innings of scoreless relief against Arizona after Max Scherzer left in the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Spasms are nothing new for Scherzer, who said his back was fully locked up after the game.

“I’ve had spasms before,” he said. “The way that this kind of goes, tomorrow I’ll be sore, then the second day. The second day well let you know where this is at. Are you starting to show improvement or are you in the same position?

“That’s the history for me with getting spasms. At that 48-hour mark you kind of know where this is going.”

Scherzer added that getting hit on the elbow in the second inning by a batted ball had nothing to do with the back injury.

Asked specifically if he’ll pitch again in the World Series – Scherzer would potentially be in line to start Game 7 if needed – the three-time Cy Young Award winner went back to his timeline.

“You get to the 48-hour mark and then you’ll make a decision,” he said.

Scherzer had allowed two hits, and felt he was poised to go deep in a game for the first time since returning from a shoulder injury in the American League Championship Series. He praised Jon Gray for delivering three innings of scoreless relief before turning it over the back end of the bullpen – Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and Jose Leclerc.

“Obviously you want to be out there, but Jon Gray came in and did a great job for us,” Scherzer said. “Man, he really saved us. He pitched great.”

As for his feelings, Scherzer pointed to the big picture. The Rangers are two wins away from winning their first World Series, so the personal setback isn’t the focus.

“It is frustrating, but there is nothing I can do,” he said. “You just have to stay positive and realize we have a great team.”

Garcia Lost to Injury Late in Game 3

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