The Texas Rangers, the reigning World Series champions, could be welcoming back two multiple-Cy Young Award winners to their rotation in the middle of the summer. Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, recently revealed that he is making steady progress from his December surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. Scherzer, who turns 40 later this year, was acquired by the Rangers last summer and made a significant impact with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts before being sidelined due to a strained shoulder muscle and later, a back issue.
Jacob deGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner himself, also has plans to bounce back from elbow surgery that cut short his Rangers debut after just six starts. The 35-year-old right-hander expressed his excitement and optimism during the team’s annual FanFest, stating that when both he and Scherzer return to the rotation, it will be like “picking up a couple of guys.” DeGrom was signed by the Rangers last offseason to a high-value contract and showcased his talent with a 2-0 record and a 2.67 ERA in the limited playing time he had.
Scherzer’s road to recovery has not been without obstacles. After the World Series victory, the 39-year-old pitcher underwent a thorough examination, which revealed inflammation in his back. However, he started to feel better before experiencing nerve pain in his leg. To alleviate the discomfort, Scherzer underwent two epidural injections. Unfortunately, an MRI later uncovered the presence of a herniated disk, leading to surgery on December 15th. Despite the setback, Scherzer remains positive and maintains a “glass half-full mentality” as he acknowledges the success of the team and focuses on his recovery.
Scherzer has successfully navigated a crucial six-week post-surgery period without any complications. Currently, he is focused on gradually building back his strength and ensuring that his arm is in optimal condition. As he progresses, the challenge lies in balancing his rehabilitation with the necessary precautions to avoid bending, lifting, and twisting – movements that could potentially strain his back. A key concern is maintaining his arm condition while navigating this delicate stage.
With 3,367 strikeouts, Scherzer holds the record for the most strikeouts among active pitchers. Last season, split between the New York Mets and the Rangers, he showcased his dominance with a 13-6 record and a 3.77 ERA in 27 starts. Despite the injury interruptions, Scherzer’s impact on the team was undeniable, and his talent shines through in his statistics. The Rangers were fortunate to acquire Scherzer through a trade last July, solidifying their pitching rotation.
Similarly, Jacob deGrom is looking forward to a successful return to the mound. The former Mets star, who signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Rangers last offseason, displayed his worth as he won all six games he started, contributing significantly to the team’s success. However, his playing time was significantly limited to 30 and a third innings due to the elbow surgery. He expresses optimism about his arm’s current condition and believes that it is crucial to approach his rehabilitation intelligently and avoid pushing too hard. DeGrom aims to have a long and prosperous career with the Rangers.
The potential return of Scherzer and deGrom to the Rangers’ rotation is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for fans and players alike. With both pitchers’ track records of success, their presence can significantly bolster the team’s chances as they defend their World Series title. The Rangers are hopeful that these two Cy Young winners can overcome their respective challenges and make a triumphant comeback in the middle of the summer, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s pitching staff and increasing their chances of a successful postseason run.
The imminent return of Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom adds a new layer of excitement to an already accomplished Rangers team. Their recoveries from surgery and subsequent reintroduction to the rotation will be a crucial turning point in the team’s season. As fans eagerly await their return, the entire organization remains optimistic about their contributions and the positive impact they can have on the success of the Texas Rangers.
Leave a Reply