Max Scherzer’s Back on Track: The Cy Young Award Winner Prepares for His First Rehab Start in the Texas Rangers

Triple-A Round Rock Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is set to make his first appearance in a game since undergoing back surgery during the offseason. This will be his first rehab start on Wednesday against Salt Lake at home.

Scherzer, who is 39 years old, had surgery on December 15 to address a herniated disk in his lower back that caused him to exit Game 3 of the World Series after just three innings due to discomfort. An MRI post-World Series revealed some inflammation in the back and nerve pain in his leg, which led to two epidural injections. Another MRI confirmed the herniated disk.

Last summer, Scherzer was traded to the Rangers and went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts before missing the rest of the regular season and the initial playoff rounds due to a strained muscle in his right shoulder. With 3,367 career strikeouts, he is currently leading active pitchers and ahead of Justin Verlander by 21 strikeouts. He also ranks second among active pitchers in wins and games started.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and Scherzer are both excited about this rehab start, with plans for him to throw around 50 pitches against the Los Angeles Angels’ affiliate team following a simulated game last Friday where he threw 40 pitches. The team is optimistic that this start will pave the way for Scherzer’s return to action soon.