Max Scherzer ready for first rehab start following back surgery

39-year-old Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been sidelined since back surgery during the offseason. However, he is set to make a minor league rehab start on Wednesday night, his first game action since the surgery. Scherzer will be starting for Triple-A Round Rock at home against Salt Lake.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and Scherzer have a plan for the pitcher to throw around 50 pitches in the game against the Los Angeles Angels’ affiliate team. Scherzer previously threw 40 pitches in a simulated game on Friday as part of his rehab process. After experiencing back discomfort during Game 3 of the World Series, Scherzer underwent surgery on December 15 to repair a herniated disk in his lower back.

Following the surgery, Scherzer started feeling better before encountering nerve pain in his leg. He received two epidural injections before an MRI revealed the herniated disk causing the issues. The eight-time All-Star had been a trade-deadline acquisition for the Rangers last summer and had a 4-2 record with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts before missing the last two weeks of the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs due to a strained muscle in his right shoulder.

Scherzer holds the record for the most strikeouts among active pitchers, with 3,367 in his career, 21 more than Justin Verlander. Additionally, he ranks second among active pitchers in wins with 214 and games started with 448. His return to the mound will be eagerly awaited by both the Rangers and baseball fans alike.