Max Scherzer sets date for his season debut

Oct 4, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) is seen in the dugout during game two of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers ace Max Scherzer is finally set to make his season debut.

Scherzer told reporters Saturday that he is set to start Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. It marks his return to a big league mound after three minor league rehab starts.

Max Scherzer says he’s pitching tomorrow in the series finale against the Royals

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Scherzer has missed the first two-plus months of the season after undergoing offseason back surgery. The Texas ace had originally hoped to pitch Saturday, but the Rangers opted to wait an extra day.

The hope is the offseason surgery and extended recovery period will help keep Scherzer healthy going forward. The 39-year-old made 27 starts in the regular season last year, but was hindered throughout the postseason by various injury problems.

In eight regular season starts for the Rangers last season, Scherzer posted a 3.20 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 45 innings of work.