The Rangers were able to win the 2023 World Series with prized free agent signee Jacob deGrom sidelined and trade deadline acquisition Max Scherzer a shell of himself after working his way back from a shoulder injury.
Unfortunately, Texas will have to figure out how to navigate the first several months of its title defense in 2024 without both pitchers once again. DeGrom already was slated to be sidelined until midseason due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery.
On Friday, Rangers general manager Chris Young told the media that Scherzer underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc on Thursday and won’t return until June or July, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
“After returning to my offseason home in Florida, my discomfort in my back continued to get worse. During this time, I received a diagnosis of a herniated disc,” Scherzer said in a statement released by the Rangers.
The veteran right-hander opted to undergo surgery, which he said will give him the “best chance to pitch as much as possible” in 2024, after consulting with specialists.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Scherzer, 39, has dealt with back issues in the past, as well as a nagging injury in his back/shoulder area that forced the team to shut him down in September—and then again during the World Series after the issue flared up.
The Rangers acquired the St. Louis native from the Mets in July 2023. Scherzer made eight regular-season starts for the Rangers, recording a 3.20 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 45 innings pitched.
