Rangers’ playoff chances weaken after Max Scherzer hits IL

For a 40-year-old on the again finish of their profession, shoulder fatigue is not one of the best signal. Scherzer has returned from worse earlier than, however accidents are piling up for the longer term Corridor of Famer. 

Since 2021, he is began solely 88 video games, lacking time with varied accidents. This season, a again damage restricted Scherzer to eight begins, the identical quantity he made with the Rangers in 2023 after being acquired in a commerce with the New York Mets. 

In the meantime, the outcomes merely have not been there for Scherzer. 

Scherzer allowed just one hit in his season debut, offering hope that the veteran might have a strong marketing campaign. Nonetheless, he is thrown solely 39.1 innings, failing to make it out of the fifth in 5 of his eight begins whereas posting a 3.89 ERA, presently the third-highest of his profession. 

It is one other robust blow to the Rangers’ rotation, which is already hurting. 

Texas has been with out two-time Cy Younger award-winner Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, who’ve but to pitch this season after present process Tommy John surgical procedure in 2023. Likewise, Jon Grey just lately hit the IL with a proper groin pressure, additional shortening the Rangers’ workers. 

The Rangers promoted Walter Pennington from Triple-A Spherical Rock to fill the open spot and bought Michael Lorenzen on the commerce deadline, however they pale compared to what Scherzer and deGrom might deliver. 

Whereas Scherzer hasn’t been himself this season, his loss places much more stress on a Rangers crew that is holding on desperately to shrinking playoff hopes. The defending World Collection champions are 52-57, 4 and a half video games behind the Houston Astros (56-52) and Seattle Mariners (57-53) for the lead within the American League West and eight video games again of the ultimate AL wild-card spot held by the Minnesota Twins (59-48).