Back Sooner? Texas Rangers Ace Max Scherzer Takes Step Towards Return

Max Scherzer is inching closer to throwing on the mound after suffering a should injury that ended his regular season.

Max Scherzer could be getting hot at the right time for the Texas Rangers entering the final few games of the regular season.

Could he be cleared to play in October if the Rangers clinch a spot in the postseason?

According to the Dallas Morning News, Scherzer was seen throwing in Anaheim before the Rangers' 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. What is the difference from last week until now? There's apparently more of oomph with each pitch rather than just "flicking" the ball.

"It's another step forward," Scherzer told the paper. "I’m continuing to strengthen my arm. [Throwing off] the mound is close."

He hasn't given up hope of returning this season, meaning the playoffs. The Rangers' magic number, going into Tuesday, to clinch the American League West was four. It's just three to clinch a playoff spot. Six games remain, starting Tuesday night against the Angels. 

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy is keeping the postseason light on for Scherzer.

"I just talked to Max yesterday. I don’t think you rule that out. Max isn’t," Bochy said Tuesday on The K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan. "He’s thrown the ball, he’s letting it go pretty good. Now, when you pitch, it’s that last 5 or 10% that you’ve got to let go of the ball, that’s what you have to have so you can finish up your pitches.

"But he seems optimistic, and he knows his body better than anybody. But we’re getting good news on him, how he’s coming along. So, I would not rule that out."

Scherzer suffered a strained teres major, which is in the upper back/shoulder region, on Sept. 12. He’s currently on the injured list and general manager Chris Young said it’s “unlikely” Scherzer will pitch in the playoffs.

Max Scherzer is ramping up his rehab program and hoping to return in the playoffs / Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing can be entirely ruled out for the time being. Last week, Scherzer said he was playing catch without much effort from the muscle in his shoulder. Now, he's going through the motions while building up strength.

The typical recovery time for this type of injury is between 8-12 weeks. Scherzer, who posted a 4-2 record with a 3.20 ERA with the Rangers after being acquired by the New York Mets, likely wouldn't be active for either the AL Wild Card Round (Oct. 3-5) or the ALDS (Oct. 7-13) should he continue to press forward.

Even with a positive outlook, Texas likely wouldn't rush back Scherzer for the ALCS should it advance past the first two stages to avoid potential further injury. At that point, Scherzer, 39, would only be at the six-week mark of the rehab stage.

A World Series appearance, however, might not be off the table. Game 1 is scheduled for Oct. 27, which would be pushing the earliest return date. And with more progress, who knows?

Scherzer hasn’t given up hope yet, and after Monday's progress, neither should the Rangers. 

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