Max Scherzer Throwing Simulated Game, Wants 'Back in This Thing' as Texas Rangers Advance to ALCS
ARLINGTON, Texas – The chances of Max Scherzer returning for the American League Championship Series have seemingly taken a turn for the better.
Just ask him.
“Give me a chance,” Scherzer said from the champagne-and-beer-soaked Texas Rangers clubhouse after Tuesday night’s 7-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles to end the AL Division Series.
“Let me get back into this thing. I’ve been grinding away, just doing everything I can to just be in a position to have a chance. The guys going out there and provide that chance, so I gotta go out there and still do my work and hopefully we’ll be ready for next time.”
Scherzer plans to throw a simulated game Wednesday to gauge how many pitches he can work up to as he continues to build up arm strength.
“When my number does get called, I’ll be ready,” he said.
Knowing the drive that Scherzer has to get back was music (maybe from Creed) for manager Bruce Bochy’s ears.
“It’s great. We’re excited. Hopefully, that is the case,” Bochy said of a potential Scherzer return. “We’ve got a little time here. See where we’re at with Max. We’ve missed him. He’s been throwing well.
“I thought he threw well to hitters not too long ago, but didn’t want to risk putting him in this series. Give him time to build up. We’ll continue to do that and see where we’re at.”
The Rangers are off until the ALCS starts Sunday on the road against either the Houston Astros or Minnesota Twins. The Astros lead that ALDS 2-1 going into Game 4 on Wednesday at Minnesota.
Scherzer has been out since mid-September after suffering an injury to his upper shoulder area. The veteran right-hander has been ramping up his workouts with the hope of being activated at some point during the postseason.
Bochy previously acknowledged that Scherzer could have been a potential injury replacement in the ALDS. It turns out the Rangers didn’t need any reinforcements after sweeping the Orioles in three games.
With a trip to the World Series on the line, getting Scherzer’s big-game experience and moxie on the mound would be huge. Whether it’s as an opener or in the bullpen, getting a three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion back on the active roster is worth the effort.
And wait.
You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
