Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, the active leader in strikeouts, has been dealing with injuries this season but remains determined to continue pitching. Scherzer, who recently turned 40, completed a 25-pitch bullpen session for the Texas Rangers, his first since being placed on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue two weeks ago. Despite not feeling at his best, Scherzer believes he can still perform at a high level and make significant contributions to the team.

With a record of 2-4 and a 3.89 ERA this season, Scherzer aims to have a more extended bullpen session on Sunday to assess his readiness to return to the rotation. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised Scherzer’s performance during the bullpen, noting that the pitcher utilized all his pitches effectively. Scherzer has had a challenging season, with only eight starts so far due to back surgery, a nerve issue in his arm, and recent shoulder problems.

Despite these setbacks, Scherzer managed an impressive performance in his last home start before his birthday, striking out nine batters and surpassing Justin Verlander to become the strikeout leader among active pitchers. Reflecting on his experience this season, Scherzer acknowledged the difficulty of returning mid-season and the need to learn from the challenges he faced.

Bochy expressed confidence in Scherzer’s physical condition, highlighting the pitcher’s strong recovery. Acquired by the Rangers from the Mets last summer, Scherzer has been a valuable addition to the team despite dealing with various injuries over the past seasons. With a postseason history and significant contributions to the Rangers, Scherzer’s determination to overcome his current challenges and return to top form is evident.