**ARLINGTON** — Following his first start with the Texas Rangers in June, Max Scherzer had expressed caution about his future availability due to ongoing issues with his throwing arm’s nerve.
At that time, the three-time Cy Young winner noted concerns about how his arm would react after pitching those initial five innings in the major leagues.
However, after his third start on Thursday afternoon, Scherzer seemed notably optimistic about his arm’s condition, despite taking a loss in the Rangers’ 3-1 defeat to the San Diego Padres.
“Physically, I’m definitely feeling better. My arm felt improved,” Scherzer said. “From a physical standpoint, I’m doing really well, and that’s encouraging after this start.”
"Physically, I'm definitely better. Arm felt better. Got to 90 pitches, felt strong there and even got into the 7th. From a psychical standpoint, I'm really doing well and that's what encouraging coming out of this start."
– Max Scherzer pic.twitter.com/sYvFZXmJSv
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) July 4, 2024
He threw a season-high 90 pitches, feeling strong as he approached the seventh inning, where he recorded an out before being replaced. Scherzer achieved his first quality start of the season, limiting the Padres to three runs on six hits and a walk. “I’m recovering well, so I should be ready in five days, and that’s positive,” he said. Scherzer’s record stands at 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 11 strikeouts over three games.
However, Scherzer also added a note of caution about his performance. “I pitched well today, but not great,” he said. “[I] got beaten on a couple of pitches, and that can be the difference in games like this. Credit to them; they’re a great team. I know where I need to improve. I made some good pitches, but not enough to secure the win.”
Scherzer benefited from two exceptional defensive plays: left fielder Wyatt Langford’s catch robbing a potential two-run homer and a throw-out at home, and third baseman Josh Smith’s impressive basket catch on a bloop fly.
“That gets everyone fired up. Our defense is doing great, which is encouraging because hitting can be inconsistent,” Scherzer, 39, said. “Good defense always gives the team a chance to win, regardless of the season’s ups and downs.”
