Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher, is on a journey back to the mound, and it's been a bumpy road. With a history of injuries, including back spasms, forearm tendinitis, and ankle inflammation, Scherzer has spent more time on the sidelines than in the starting lineup this season. But the future Hall of Famer is determined to make a comeback, and his recent rehab starts are a testament to that.
In his second rehab outing, Scherzer faced the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team in the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Despite giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits, including a three-run homer in the first inning, Scherzer showed glimpses of his former glory. He walked none and struck out five on 72 pitches, with his fastball sitting between 92 mph and 94 mph, topping out at 94.4 mph.
This performance, however, doesn't tell the whole story. Across two outings during his current rehab stint, Scherzer has given up seven runs (six earned) over seven innings, resulting in a 7.71 ERA. It's clear that Scherzer still has work to do to regain his form.
The Blue Jays are hoping that one more rehab appearance will do the trick, and they're banking on Scherzer's ability to execute consistently. John Schneider, the manager, joked about Scherzer's pitch count, suggesting he might throw a no-hitter after Verlander's All-Star selection. But the reality is that Scherzer needs to improve his performance significantly.
Scherzer's pursuit of history is another intriguing aspect of this story. Before his recent injury, he became the 11th pitcher in MLB history to strike out 3,500 batters. With his potential return, he could move up the all-time strikeout list, chasing down legends like Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson. However, his 10.23 ERA over 22 innings this season raises questions about his ability to consistently perform at a high level.
In a perfect world, Scherzer would nail his next rehab start, return to the rotation, and help Spencer Miles bounce back into a multi-inning relief role. But the Blue Jays' season has been far from perfect, and Scherzer's future remains uncertain. As he continues his rehab, the question remains: Can Scherzer reclaim his place as one of the game's elite pitchers?
This story highlights the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of excellence. It's a reminder that even the greatest athletes must overcome obstacles and setbacks. As Scherzer continues his journey back to the mound, the baseball world watches with bated breath, hoping to see the return of a legend.
