Editor’s note: Max Scherzer announced Saturday He is scheduled to make his season debut Sunday against the Kansas City Royals.
ARLINGTON — The Rangers waited nearly half a season for Max Scherzer to make his 2024 debut.
How about in a day or two?
If that’s all.
The Rangers appeared to go against their usual pitching plan on Friday, opting not to give their starters more rest despite the opportunity. Manager Bruce Bochy said Jon Gray, who started Monday against the New York Mets, will start Saturday against the Royals. Scherzer, who made his second rehab start last Saturday, remains suspended. Maybe he’ll start Sunday. Maybe.
“We’re going to evaluate him. [Saturday]”I just want to make sure there’s nothing wrong,” Boci said.
Of course, that prompted the follow-up: Did he suggest there might be a problem?
“He hasn’t told me anything,” Boucci said.
The normally talkative Scherzer attended the pitchers’ pregame meeting but didn’t answer any questions, which was a bit odd considering how eager he was to start the season after offseason back surgery and nerve issues in his arm.
Scherzer, who turns 40 on July 27, didn’t produce the velocity he has shown in the major leagues in his two rehab appearances this month. He averaged 92.9 and 92.1 mph this year, compared with 93.7 mph in 2023. The rotation rate of his curveball also dropped slightly. It’s unclear whether he was concerned about his declining velocity or whether this was due to the fact that he was in rehab rather than major league appearances.
If Scherzer doesn’t pitch Sunday, the Rangers will likely turn to right-hander Dane Dunning, who started Tuesday against the Mets. Dunning last pitched Sunday at Seattle. If Scherzer does pitch, Dunning could be tasked with pitching multiple innings behind Scherzer, who has thrown 53 and 79 pitches in two rehab appearances.
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