The Texas Rangers, reigning World Series champions, might have a formidable pitching duo with the anticipated mid-2024 returns of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, is recuperating from elbow surgery, while Scherzer is recovering from a December procedure to address a herniated disk in his lower back.
Both pitchers shared their timelines for a comeback during the Rangers’ FanFest. DeGrom expressed optimism, stating, “When we get us back here, hopefully somewhere around the trade deadline, it’s like picking up a couple guys,” as reported by ESPN.
Scherzer echoed a positive outlook, saying, “We won the World Series, so everything’s great. You’ve got to keep the glass-half-full mentality to this.”
Scherzer, a key addition from the New York Mets in the 2023 trade deadline, played a crucial role in the Rangers’ rotation at the end of the season. Despite missing the final two weeks of the regular season and the first two playoff rounds due to a shoulder injury, he contributed with a 4-2 record and a 3.20 ERA in eight starts.
While he managed to start twice in the ALCS, his shoulder issue resurfaced during Game 3 of the World Series, limiting him to three innings. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, underwent surgery on December 15.
DeGrom, who signed a five-year, $185 million deal with the Rangers the previous offseason, joined the rotation but faced an early shutdown due to an elbow injury after six starts. He posted a 2-0 record with a 2.67 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 30⅓ innings for Texas.
Planning to begin throwing by spring, the 35-year-old mentioned a plyometric training program as a prerequisite. Scherzer, at 39, reported being in good shape during his recovery, completing a six-week post-surgery period without setbacks.
