Father Time eventually catches up with everyone, and that seems to be the case for Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer.
On Friday, the Rangers announced that Scherzer was returning to the injured list due to right shoulder fatigue. This is his second stint on the IL, having missed most of the season previously due to a back injury.
Max Scherzer. turned 40 on July 27 and is in the final year of his three-year, $130 million contract, initially signed with the Mets during the 2021-22 offseason before being traded to the Rangers just before the 2023 trade deadline. During this period, Scherzer has battled numerous injuries, including a left oblique strain, left side fatigue, neck spasms, a teres major muscle injury, surgery for a herniated disc during the 2023-24 offseason, and a nerve problem in his right arm.
These injuries and the wear and tear of age have taken a toll. Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reported that a month ago, Scherzer expressed uncertainty about how much longer he would continue pitching. While his performance on the mound has been solid when healthy, it hasn’t been easy for him this year.
If this is the end, Scherzer’s next stop will be Cooperstown. Over his career, he has amassed a 216-112 record with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.077 WHIP in 2,874 innings, striking out 3,405 batters and walking 754. An eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, Scherzer threw two no-hitters in 2015, was part of two World Series-winning teams, and is one of four pitchers to strike out 20 batters in a nine-inning game.
Scherzer has had a career to be proud of.
The end of the road appears to be near for Scherzer. He may have already thrown the final pitch of his illustrious career.
