Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer’s return plans derailed by alarming injury twist

After hurting the thumb, Scherzer got the surprise diagnosis from Dallas doctors, via Manny Randhawa of MLB.com.

“I went back to Dallas to see the doctors,” Scherzer said. “All my strength is there, it’s testing out. Now we’re thinking this is a nerve issue. It’s the thumb, the forearm and the triceps.”

To make matters worse, Scherzer has no idea when he’ll heal.

“This is completely foreign to me,” Scherzer said. “I’ve never had nerve issues. I’ve never been a forearm guy — I’ve always been a shoulder guy. So, as far as how to navigate this, I’m gonna have to lean on our training staff and our doctors to figure out what the best course of action is, so that we can alleviate the nerve [issue].”

While there’s no current timetable for Scherzer’s return, it’s safe to assume that the Rangers should plan to be without him for the next few months. Nerve injuries aren’t a walk in the park, especially for an aging player in the twilight of his career.

This leaves a significant hole in the Rangers’ rotation. Scherzer played a central role in their championship run last season after getting traded by the New York Mets on July 30th. The three-time Cy Young Award-winner recorded a 3.20 ERA in eight regular season starts with the club before struggling in the playoffs, posting a 6.52 ERA over 9 2/3 innings. However, he tossed three scoreless frames in Game 3 of the World Series.

Texas’s injury list is extensive, especially on the pitching side of things. Jacob DeGrom (Tommy John surgery), Tyler Mahle (Tommy John), Nathan Eovaldi (right groin strain), Dane Dunning (right rotator cuff strain), and Cody Bradford (lower back strain/stress fracture on rib) are all out as well. DeGrom and Mahle are expected to return after the All-Star break.

Despite these injuries, the Rangers still sit first in the AL West at 22-19. However, they’re unlikely to recapture last year’s October magic if the pitching staff doesn’t heal up eventually.