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Max Scherzer is set to make his final rehab start for the Texas Rangers in Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday night. According to manager Bruce Bochy, Scherzer’s performance will determine whether he will be ready to return to the big leagues.
In his previous rehab start for Round Rock, Scherzer retired 12 of 14 batters, throwing 53 pitches, allowing one hit and walking one. However, the start was delayed due to right thumb soreness that was later identified as a nerve issue extending to his right triceps. The back surgery he underwent in December has kept him out of action this season.
The Rangers acquired Scherzer from the New York Mets last July in a trade where he agreed to opt in on the final year of his contract for $43.3 million. The Mets are paying Texas $30.83 million of that amount in installments. In eight starts for Texas after the trade, Scherzer posted a 4-2 record with a 3.20 ERA before being sidelined by a muscle strain in his shoulder. He returned for two starts in the American League Championship Series and Game 3 of the World Series before exiting due to his back injury.
With 3,367 strikeouts, Scherzer ranks second among active pitchers, behind Justin Verlander who has surpassed him with 3,390 strikeouts this season for Houston. Additionally, Scherzer is second only to Verlander on the active lists with 214 wins and 448 starts.
