The Texas Rangers are on an unbelievable postseason run. 2023 was rough like a rollercoaster but the team not only survived it, the Lone Stars have made it to the World Series. Chasing their first-ever Commissioner’s trophy, the Rangers’ victory was made sweeter after they snatched the ALCS title from rivals Houston Astros. But amidst celebrations, an injury update has hit hard.

2023 is the year of the underdogs; neither the Rangers nor the Arizona Diamondbacks, the other Fall Classic finalists, can boast postseason success in recent years. While the D-Backs chase the first title since 2001, will the Rangers’ injured ace factor into a loss?

Injury Woes Strike Texas Ranger Days Before World Series

Though they received back-to-back blows for a while, the Texas Rangers ultimately conquered the ALCS. World Series dreams in the deep south have been reignited but just as fans celebrated, Max Scherzer announced some bad news. During the post-game interview session with the Fox Sports analysts, the Rangers’ pitcher discussed his play. Which unfortunately included a thumb injury.

“I got actually a little cut on my thumb that I?m actually dealing with,” said Scherzer. “That?s actually more of a problem now.? This is the second recent injury that has impaired play. Missing the first two rounds of the playoffs, Scherzer was sidelined due to a muscle strain.

But he assured fans, “I feel good. My arm?s actually in a good spot. I?m not dealing with the strain anymore.” Cuts and blisters often negatively impact pitcher performance but with the World Series at stake, how will the Rangers proceed? Scherzer is in the twilight of his career but still playing like an ace. The ALCS was proof enough.

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Even with a cut, the pitcher’s Game 7 display put him back in a spot he’s all too familiar with. While his season started out rather limply in New York, the 39-year-old is ending it on a high with an unlikely team.

The Rangers Dethrone the Reigning World Series Champs

The ALCS Game 7 was the thrilling finale that saw the Rangers get the last laugh. The Texas endeavor started in the first inning with Corey Seager’s homer. At a critical moment, ALCS MVP Adolis Garc?a came to the rescue with two moonshots and five runs. Not one to miss out, Scherzer gave up four hits and two runs with two walks in 2 2/3 innings. But will he be able to give a repeat performance when it matters most?

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With the biggest title of them all hanging in the balance, both teams will be hungry for victory. Major teams predicted to be at this stage have fallen out of contention. It’s now the battle of the dark horses.