The Lone Star State may not be so lonely anymore. The Texas Rangers, advancing to the ALCS for the first time since 2012, has every cause to celebrate. They will play against in-state rivals and reigning World Series champs, the Houston Astros. The stakes are high, tensions are higher, and the Rangers state will need to give everything they’ve got. It could include a star pitcher who has been on the mend.

Max Scherzer, traded from the New York Mets a day before the August 1 deadline, has been dealing with an injury. Sept. 12th was the last time Scherzer pitched, exiting early due to a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. Most thought the 39-year-old’s season was over after he had fought so hard to stay in the game. But it might not all be for naught.

Max Scherzer Ready to Don Texas Rangers Threads Again

The pitching veteran is ready to shed the lingering injury and make a comeback as soon as possible. Not fond of the direction the Mets were taking, Scherzer openly challenged the management earlier this year. Soon after, he was wearing the Rangers’ threads, improving to a 3.20 ERA across eight starts. Then, an injury sidelined him, but Scherzer has not given up.

“I I feel good. Recovered,” the pitcher told the press on Friday. “I checked all the boxes I possibly can. I’m ready to go. I respect what Houston can do. They’re obviously a great team. I’ve got to bring my A-game.” Although hope seemed lost a month ago, Mad Max is ready for a comeback.

Taking fielding practice and throwing live batting practice of about 65 pitches, Scherzer feels his arm is in a good place. Although, of course, it’s uncertain how long he can sustain himself in an actual game, the ace is ready to play it by ear and take a shot at it.

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Interestingly, it wasn’t just the bullpen session that boosted the Rangers’ player’s confidence; it was also a simulation game. Which Scherzer did not throw fully healthy.

Even Hungover, Mad Max Can Pitch a Masterclass

Despite his illustrious career, Max Scherzer has only won a single World Series, with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Needless to say, he has been itching for another win and the Texas Rangers clinching the ALDS took the team one step further.

Even if his injury has been preventing play, Scherzer was as ecstatic as his teammates that night. But the very next day, he had to pitch a simulation, which was a strange experience.

“It was kind of a weird sim game. I don’t often pitch hungover,” Scherzer said. It was a 68-pitch simulated game, but the ace was clearly in good spirits about his game. The Rangers player told The Dallas Morning News that he was feeling normal, as was his arm.

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Fans won’t know what the Rangers do until they submit a final roster list on Sunday, but many hope they can count on their star pitcher!

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