In 2023, the Texas Rangers won their first World Series behind a balanced offensive output and stellar pitching from the likes of Max Scherzer.
Now Scherzer, speaking on Fox Sports, talked about why that run with the Rangers mattered so much:
Said Scherzer, “I’m not really playing for milestones. I’m just playing to win the World Series. We’ve got a good group here, and we have a chance to be able to do this thing again. So, that’s the only thing that motivates me. That’s the only thing I’m playing for, is to be able to go out there and win the ring.”
While Scherzer has racked up multiple accolades on the way to an assured spot in Cooperstown, it’s clear that his only focus is to get the Rangers back to another World Series.
The Rangers have some work to do if they’re going to get back to the Fall Classic, however. Texas is currently sitting at 14-14 through the early part of the season. After starting the season 6-2, the team has floundered a bit as they find their footing.
The Rangers are dealing with significant injuries to their pitching staff. Scherzer, Cody Bradford, Tyler Mahl, and Jacob deGrom are all dealing with various health issues this season.
Bradford was placed on a 15-day IL due to back soreness. The left-hander was performing well before getting hurt, tallying a 1.40 ERA in three starts this season. DeGrom and Mahle are both still recovering from their Tommy John surgeries last year.
Max Scherzer nearing return with the Rangers
Last December, Scherzer underwent surgery for a herniated disc and was expected to be out until June or July. But the pitcher has progressed ahead of schedule and is currently working his way back to the Rangers’ rotation.
