Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has faced one of the most challenging seasons of his career in 2024.
After being acquired by the Texas Rangers in a high-profile trade with the New York Mets, Scherzer has been sidelined multiple times due to persistent nerve irritation in his triceps.
However, recent developments suggest that the star pitcher may have finally turned a corner.
- Max Scherzer has been dealing with a nerve irritation issue in his triceps that has affected his ability to pitch despite no structural damage or significant injury.
- Scherzer made a mechanical adjustment to alleviate the nerve irritation and is confident he can overcome the issue, aiming to return to pitching soon.
- The 2023 trade between the Mets and Rangers, which included Scherzer, has sparked debate on who truly benefited, with both short-term successes and long-term uncertainties.
Mechanical Adjustments and the Root Cause of Nerve Irritation
Scherzer’s journey to get back on the mound hasn’t been easy. After being put on the injured list on August 2nd due to shoulder fatigue, Scherzer and the Rangers’ medical team were left scratching their heads.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t throw a ball even though all the tests showed he was fine. The problem remained a mystery until Scherzer realized it might be linked to his pitching mechanics.
During a bullpen session on August 30th, he slightly adjusted his throwing technique, focusing on how his elbow and triceps were functioning during the throw.
That small change seemed to stop the nerve irritation that had been causing him so much trouble.
Scherzer expressed relief, saying, “I feel like I can overcome this because there’s nothing structurally wrong. This was just nerve irritation, and I feel like I potentially have solved this.”
A Season of Setbacks and Determination to Return
Clearly, this season has been a rollercoaster for Scherzer, who started off the year recovering from back surgery.
He was supposed to return in mid-May, but a nerve issue delayed his comeback after just one rehab start in Triple-A.
When he finally returned on June 23rd, his performances were hit or miss, often cut short by ongoing arm fatigue.
Despite all this, Scherzer is determined to get back out there and pitch again. “I definitely want to get back out there and pitch and show that I’m healthy,” he said.
“I’m not injured. I get this nerve issue raises some red flags. I get it. But this wasn’t something structurally wrong with my elbow or shoulder.”
Scherzer’s determination to return this season and continue playing into 2024 shows his love for the game and confidence in his recovery.
The Scherzer-Acuña Trade: How It’s Shaping Up for the Rangers and Mets
The trade that sent Scherzer to the Rangers was one of the biggest deals of the 2023 MLB season. The Mets sent Scherzer to Texas in exchange for top prospect Luisangel Acuña while also covering a big portion of Scherzer’s salary.
Though Scherzer’s time on the field has been limited due to injuries, the Rangers’ 2023 World Series win makes it look like they came out on top in the trade.
On the flip side, Acuña’s performance in Triple-A has been underwhelming. The Mets had high hopes that he would make an immediate impact, but his struggles have led to questions about whether the trade was as good as they initially thought.
As Scherzer gets ready to possibly return to the mound, maybe even this week, the Rangers could still see a big return on their investment.
If Scherzer can make a successful comeback, it would strengthen the Rangers’ rotation and further tip the scales in their favor when looking back on this trade.
Scherzer’s Plans for 2024 and Beyond
As Scherzer continues his rehab, he’s focused on proving that he’s still got what it takes to pitch at a high level.
Even though he turned 40 in July, Scherzer clarified that he plans to pitch next season.
“I came into this year thinking I was going to pitch next year. Nothing’s changed,” he said.
“Obviously, if I fail at this, we’ve got to rethink, but I don’t think I’ll have to rethink it. I think I got to go out there and execute this.” So, as we can see, he’s determined but also realistic.
With the Rangers’ season winding down and their sights set on 2025, Scherzer’s return to form could be a big boost for the team’s future.
Whether he can return to his dominant form or not, his journey through this nerve problem shows his resilience and determination to keep playing the game he loves.
All in all, Max Scherzer’s battle with nerve issues has been a major challenge this season.
However, his recent mechanical adjustments and newfound confidence suggest he might be on the verge of overcoming this problem.
As he looks to return to the mound and plans for 2024, Scherzer’s story is far from over, and he may still have a lot to offer in his incredible career.
