The idea of Max Scherzer pitching this postseason has seemed far-fetched. Maybe it isn't.
The Texas Rangers starter has not pitched since sustaining a teres major strain during his Sept. 12 start. The injury usually requires 8-to-12 weeks of rest, and general manager Chris Young and the Rangers largely have acted as though a return for Scherzer this season would be a longshot. The 39-year-old remains on the injured list to date.
However, Scherzer was spotted doing some throwing ahead of Monday’s game against the Angels, and told the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant that throwing off a mound was “close.”
Asked if there's even a chance Scherzer returns for the playoffs, manager Bruce Bochy made a head-turning remark Tuesday in his weekly appearance on The K&C Masterpiece.
"Yeah, I just talked to Max yesterday. I don’t think you rule that out. Max isn’t," Bochy said. "He’s thrown the ball, he’s letting it go pretty good. Now, when you pitch, it’s that last five or 10 percent that you’ve got to let go of the ball, that’s what you have to have so you can finish up your pitches. But he seems optimistic, and he knows his body better than anybody. But we’re getting good news on him, how he’s coming along. So, I would not rule that out."
The bullpen has been the Rangers’ biggest issue this season, so getting Scherzer back, even if it’s in a relief capacity would be a major boon for the Rangers pitching staff. Scherzer hasn't pitched in relief during the regular season since his rookie year in 2008, but has made five relief appearances during the postseason.
Of course, given his health it’s no guarantee Scherzer would be as effective as he usually is, even if he is optimistic about his ability to return. Nonetheless, the thought of him being able to get back on the mound when it matters most is tantalizing.
Now, it seems like the door to that happening very much is ajar.