Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, who currently leads in strikeouts and has pitched just once for the Texas Rangers since turning 40 last month, threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Friday.
Despite his injury issues this season, Scherzer believes he can still pitch effectively and remains committed to his career.
“I’ve been able to compete out there, but I haven’t been at my best,” Scherzer said following the session, which was his first since being placed on the 15-day injured list two weeks ago due to shoulder fatigue.
“Even when I’m competing, I’m confident that I can pitch at a high level. I still have the capability to perform well on the mound.”
Scherzer (2-4, 3.89 ERA) plans to have a longer bullpen session on Sunday. Depending on how he feels, he and the Rangers will determine whether he needs additional practice or if he’s ready to return to game action.
“He had a good day down there,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “He used all his pitches and really let it go. It was a productive session for him.”
Scherzer has made only eight starts since his season debut on June 23, following recovery from back surgery and dealing with a nerve issue in his arm.
In his last home start on July 25, just before his 40th birthday, Scherzer allowed one run and struck out nine in six innings against the Chicago White Sox. He moved past Justin Verlander to 10th place on the all-time strikeout list and is the top active pitcher with 3,405 strikeouts.
On July 30, Scherzer gave up three runs in four innings at St. Louis and left after 68 pitches. He was placed on the injured list on August 2, retroactive to the day after his last start.
With 456 games started and 2,874 innings pitched over 17 seasons, Scherzer is second only to Verlander among active pitchers. He noted that his challenge this year has been trying to return to form mid-season.
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