Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Texas Rangers received unfortunate news as their star pitcher, Max Scherzer, recently underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. This unexpected setback will keep Scherzer sidelined until at least June or possibly July, significantly impacting the team’s rotation for the first half of the season.
A Last-Resort Decision
After experiencing increasing discomfort in his back during the offseason, Scherzer sought medical attention and received a diagnosis of a herniated disc. Despite exploring various conservative treatments and consulting with multiple specialists, surgery was deemed necessary to give him the best chance of returning to the mound in peak condition for the Rangers in 2024. Scherzer expressed his determination to put in the required rehabilitation work and make a strong comeback next summer.
The Impact on the Rangers
The Rangers made a significant trade last year, acquiring Scherzer and cash from the Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuña. This move signaled their intention to have Scherzer as a long-term asset, as he agreed to pick up his 2024 player option. However, with the pitcher now set to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season, the team will have to navigate the challenges of reshaping their rotation without one of their key players.
Lingering Back Problems
Scherzer’s back issues did not emerge out of nowhere. During Game 3 of the World Series, he was forced to leave the game after just three innings due to tightness or spasms in his back. Unable to recover in time for Game 4, Scherzer was removed from the roster. Despite the team’s eventual triumph in the World Series, his back problem persisted and ultimately required surgery.
The Peculiar Rotation Situation
With Scherzer’s absence, the Rangers find themselves in a peculiar situation regarding their starting rotation. Jacob deGrom, another key pitcher, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and may return later in the 2024 season, depending on his rehabilitation progress. The recent signing of Tyler Mahle, who underwent his own Tommy John surgery in May, further complicates the team’s rotation planning.
As a result, the Rangers will begin the season with Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, and Dane Dunning as their healthy options. For the back end of the rotation, Cody Bradford and Owen White could be potential choices. However, the team might also explore external additions to bolster their pitching staff.
Financial Considerations
The Rangers face additional challenges in terms of their spending capacity. General manager Chris Young previously hinted at a more modest offseason compared to their recent big-money acquisitions. The ongoing bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, the owner of the Bally Sports network, has created uncertainty surrounding the club’s broadcast revenues. Currently, the team’s competitive balance tax figure stands at $233M, just below next year’s base threshold of $237M.
Amidst these financial constraints, the Rangers remain interested in Clayton Kershaw, who is also expected to return from surgery in the midseason. However, it is unclear whether the team would still pursue Kershaw given Scherzer’s extended absence. If the ownership allows for increased payroll, the Rangers could potentially consider a reunion with Jordan Montgomery or explore the top starters available on the trading block, such as Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, or Corbin Burnes.
Balancing Risk and Depth
The Rangers must carefully consider their options for the upcoming season. If they choose to stick with a conservative offseason approach, they may have limited pitching depth in the first half of the season. However, they would rely on the return of Scherzer, Mahle, and deGrom to propel them to a strong second-half push. Alternatively, improving the team’s depth might require a shift in spending plans and potentially exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
In conclusion, Max Scherzer‘s back surgery presents a significant challenge for the Texas Rangers as they prepare for the 2024 season. With their star pitcher sidelined until midseason, the team must carefully evaluate their rotation options and navigate financial constraints. The Rangers’ ability to adapt and make strategic decisions will be crucial in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
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