Home

MLB

“He’s a Bulldog”- Despite Being the ‘Worst’ Playoff Pitcher, Max Scherzer Receives Boost of Confidence From Derek Jeter Ahead of Crucial Game 7

Published 10/23/2023, 11:50 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

Max Scherzer, once a pitching titan, crumbled on the mound in Thursday’s Game 3 of the ALCS. Rangers fans were left stunned and questioning his abilities as victory slipped through their fingers. Tagged as the worst pitcher of the postseason era circa 2020, Scherzer is now set to show off his preceding prowess once again.

With Game 7 being the looming oracle of the tie between the Astros and Rangers, Max Scherzer has got a lot going on, with the team’s pitching responsibility once again adorning his shoulders. Ex-Yankees shortstop and Fox analyst Derek Jeter shared his views on Max Scherzer, who is set to pitch for the Rangers in ALCS Game 7. Will the pitcher rock or roll?

A Closer Look at Max Scherzer and His Bulldog Mentality on the Mound

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a heart-to-heart with Steve Serby of the NY Post, Derek Jeter discussed some of the key features that make Max Scherzer the pillar of strength that he is. He pointed out the differences between Old Scherzer and his new self, stating, “When he came up in Detroit, and it was him and Verlander pitching on the same pitching staff, he’s got that mental toughness, he wants to finish everything he starts.”

Jeter further highlighted about the baseball star never wanting to come out of the game directly. He mentioned appreciating that character when one plays against a player of such mindset. The 49-year-old even added further, “But he’s a bulldog, and I’ve always respected that about him.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

That tough mentality showed in his 11-strikeout record against the Angels this season. Legendary shortstop Corey Seager commented on that performance to an MLB representative: “He takes the ball every five days and goes out and proves it.”. Will he prove it again in tomorrow’s game?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

A Glimpse into Mad Max’s Work Ethics and Training Regimen

Scherzer is famous for his 365-pound squats. He also has a reputation for being strict with his in-season workout, besides regular pre-game warm-ups. And his work ethic doesn’t fall much behind his gritty running routine. Scherzer is also known for internalizing his injuries and using them as a motivational factor—to the extent that people outside his team never even got to know about the injuries he’d faced. Why is nobody pitching for the Man-Of-Steal moniker already?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

For their next game, the Rangers have chosen an interesting lineup, putting all hands on the deck. Pitcher Max Scherzer will be accompanied by hitter Mitch Garver, along with Marcus Semien as the 2B and shortstop Corey Seager. Game 7 is set to happen in Minute Maid Park at 5.33 a.m. ET tomorrow.

Watch This Story: Astros Embroiled In Cheating Controversy Following ALCS Victory

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shrabana Sengupta

670Articles

One take at a time

Shrabana Sengupta, a budding MLB writer for EssentiallySports, has been a fan of the New York Yankees since her school days. In her adolescence, she got to know about the sport from one of the beloved Friends’ characters, Joey. Her passion blossomed into a reserve of knowledge within the realms of MLB, and with the dynamic evolution of the game, she discovered her true vocation while stumbling into EssentiallySports, which served as a catalyst for her entry into the field of sports entertainment journalism.
Show More>

Edited by:

Aazima Basharat