Rangers’ Ace Max Scherzer Ready to Return to the Mound after Back Surgery

39-year-old Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is set to make his first appearance on the mound since undergoing back surgery during the offseason. This will take place on Wednesday when he starts for Triple-A Round Rock against Salt Lake at home.

Scherzer, who has been with the Rangers since last summer, missed the entire regular season and initial playoff rounds due to a strained muscle in his right shoulder. However, he is now gearing up for a minor league rehab start as part of his recovery process. The plan is for him to throw around 50 pitches against the Los Angeles Angels’ affiliate team after throwing 40 pitches in a simulated game last Friday. Both Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and Scherzer are on board with this plan.

The surgery on December 15 was performed to address a herniated disk in Scherzer’s lower back, which caused him to exit Game 3 of the World Series after just three innings due to back discomfort. An MRI post-World Series revealed some inflammation in the back followed by nerve pain in his leg, leading to two epidural injections. Another MRI then confirmed the herniated disk.

With 3,367 career strikeouts, Scherzer is currently the leader among active pitchers and ahead of Justin Verlander by 21 strikeouts. He also ranks second in wins and games started among active pitchers, making him an important asset to the Rangers as they continue their season.