Report: Max Scherzer to make 2024 season debut Saturday vs. Kansas City

According to Jim Bowen, Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer will make his 2024 season debut on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Scherzer has not pitched since the 2023 playoffs while dealing with a back injury.

Texas has not been lacking quality starting pitching nearly halfway through the year. But Scherzer’s return will certainly help out with much-needed depth throughout the entire staff.

“Max Scherzer will make his 2024 debut on Saturday starting for the #Rangers,” Bowden said via X.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy was asked about Bowden’s report but did not give any information out ahead of Tuesday’s game against the New York Mets. When Bochy meets the with media later in the night, more information will be officially unveiled.

“I’ll have something for you after the game,” Bochy said via Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Scherzer’s last appearance came in Game 3 of the World Series, getting through three innings while giving up just two hits. However, he was removed from the game and eventually shut down for the postseason. Surgery was required in the offseason and kept him out for over 70 games in 2024.

The original plan was to have Scherzer come back a bit earlier, making a rehab start on April 24. However, a setback — unrelated to his back — caused Texas to shut him down due to soreness in his thumb and nerve inflammation. No risks were being taken.

Scherzer eventually got back on the mound on June 9, throwing at AAA Round Rock. His latest appearance was on Sunday as 4.2 innings resulted in 79 pitches with eight strikeouts. Now, folks in Arlington must feel good enough to get Scherzer back in the Major League rotation.

Texas acquired Scherzer from the Mets during last year’s trade deadline. He has made eight appearances for the Rangers, recording 45 innings with a 3.20 ERA, 53 strikeouts, and 15 walks. When on the mound, Scherzer has been solid for Texas.

After winning the World Series, the 2024 season has not started off hot for the Rangers. They enter Tuesday six games under .500 and 9.0 games back in the American League West. Four straight losses have now occurred, including a sweep by the division-leading Seattle Mariners over the weekend.

Getting back healthy is the team’s main objective before making a push for a playoff spot. Getting Scherzer back is the first step while waiting for other guys to return from lengthy injuries.