Veteran pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are set to return to the Texas Rangers’ pitching rotation after being sidelined due to injuries. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy announced that deGrom will pitch on Friday followed by Scherzer on Saturday. With Texas still in contention for the AL playoffs, albeit six games behind for the final wild-card spot, these returns come at a crucial time for the team.
DeGrom, 36 years old, is making his season debut after being out for over a year due to Tommy John surgery. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has faced multiple injury setbacks over the past five seasons. His last appearance for the Rangers was on April 28, 2023, shortly after signing a $185 million, five-year contract as a free agent. He underwent surgery six weeks following his last start.
On the other hand, Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, has been absent for approximately six weeks as a result of a shoulder injury. He has also dealt with time off due to back surgery during the offseason and a thumb injury. The 40-year-old pitcher has a record of 2-4 with a 3.89 ERA in eight starts this season.
Prior to the return of the veteran pitchers, the Rangers will introduce prized prospect Kumar Rocker on Thursday. The 24-year-old, chosen as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft, will be making his Major League debut. The Rangers hope these additions will bolster their roster as they strive to advance in the playoff race.
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