Rangers limit ex-Met Max Scherzer due to right teres major strain.
Max Scherzer's postseason aspirations are on hold as he is ruled out for the rest of the season with an arm injury.
Max Scherzer has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a right teres major strain, putting his postseason aspirations on hold. Despite his trade to the Texas Rangers in hopes of pitching in the playoffs, the right-hander left his Tuesday start in Toronto with an arm issue. The Rangers confirmed on Wednesday that Scherzer would not be returning for the postseason, making a comeback "unlikely," according to General Manager Chris Young.
Interestingly, Scherzer's injury mirrors that of his former teammates Justin Verlander, who dealt with the same issue earlier in the season. Verlander did not make his first start until May 4th, causing concern for the Rangers as they compete for the AL West title, currently trailing the Houston Astros by just one game. The team also holds the second AL Wild Card spot, but they will have to fend off the Seattle Mariners without Scherzer's contributions.
Scherzer's trade to the Rangers was a significant move for the New York Mets as it marked the beginning of a new era. Recognizing that a playoff spot was out of reach this season, the Mets prioritized bolstering their farm system with high-end talent. This trade was crucial in shaping their future, and it took some convincing to get the three-time Cy Young Award winner to waive his no-trade clause. However, once General Manager Billy Eppler and owner Steve Cohen explained that their timeline for contention had changed, Scherzer agreed to the move to Texas.
"It's tough, but I appreciate Billy and Steve's honesty in this, and I understand the business of the game," Scherzer expressed when the Rangers visited Citi Field. "I get it, I get that the people upstairs have to make really tough decisions. At the end of the day, they're trying to win a World Series as well... Where I'm at my career, where my age is at, I don't have time to wait around."
Scherzer saw the Rangers as an ideal situation for immediate and future success. He exercised his option for next season, confident in the team's potential to contend for titles. Under the leadership of winning manager Bruce Bochy, Scherzer went on to post a 4-2 record with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts and 45 innings for the Rangers.
While Scherzer and Jacob deGrom, another injured Rangers pitcher, may still have a chance at earning rings, their postseason performances will not be a factor. Both pitchers will have to support their team from the sidelines, hoping for success in their absence.
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