ARLINGTON — Another week of new positive information for Rangers right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer.
Scherzer threw a 40-pitch bullpen pitch on Tuesday and is expected to throw live bullpen pitches sometime next week. His progress has even led manager Bruce Bochy to admit that his return timeline is faster than expected.
“Max is doing well,” Bochy said Wednesday. “He's eager to get things going. He's already moved the needle a few times before it's ready. If all goes well, it'll be ready sooner than expected.”
Scherzer claims to be in de facto spring training ramp-up mode right now, and while technically he can return from the 15-day injured list at any time, his own semi-spring schedule suggests a late May return. is consistent with The Rangers opted not to place him on the 60-day injured list at the start of the regular season, along with fellow rehabbers Jacob deGrom and Tyler Marr.
“I feel like I’m turning a corner here in terms of rehabilitation,” Scherzer said. “I'm recovering from the bullpen and feeling normal. I'm going to get my raw blood pressure next week and then head over here. Should go to rehab. [assignment] Then right away. ”
The 39-year-old right-hander underwent surgery for a herniated disc in December and was expected to be sidelined until June or July. He reported good progress at several key checkpoints: 6 weeks of age in January and 12 weeks of age in March, and on Wednesday marked three months since his infection. He said his symptoms had disappeared and he felt in “very good condition.” Surgery.
“That allows us to do some of our normal reinforcement programs,” Scherzer said. “I'm not trying to run fast, I'm not trying to cut corners, I'm not trying to do more than my body allows. It's 'being me,' and here we are on April 10th. , to get myself into this position where I'm ready to go to the bullpen next week.”
Scherzer, who started eight regular-season games for the Rangers last season and posted a 3.20 ERA, returned from a teres muscle injury earlier than expected last fall. Scherzer was considered “unlikely” to pitch in last year's playoffs, but he pitched in both the ALCS and World Series before sitting out with back spasms in Game 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He returned in time.
“To be honest, he’s not a spring chicken,” Bochy said. “Yeah, I'm surprised he's bounced back like this and is doing so well. It shows why this guy is so great and why he's a Hall of Famer.”
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