MLB Rangers lose Scherzer until mid-season after back surgery

Star pitcher Max Scherzer underwent back surgery on a herniated disk and will be sidelined until mid-season 2024 for the reigning Major League Baseball champion Texas Rangers, the club announced on Friday.

The 39-year-old US right-hander, a three-time winner of the Cy Young Award as best pitcher, had the surgery on Thursday, Rangers general manager Chris Young said.

Obtained in a trade with the New York Mets last July, Scherzer went 4-2 with a 3.20 earned-run average and 53 strikeouts over 45 innings for the Rangers, then made three playoff starts for Texas despite struggles with back spasms as the club won its first World Series crown.

It was the second title for Scherzer, who helped Washington capture the 2019 championship.

Young gave no timeline for the ace hurler’s return but said it would be at least June or July before he took the mound again in a game.

“After returning to my off-season home in Florida, my discomfort in my back continued to get worse,” Scherzer said in a statement.

“During this time I received the diagnosis of a herniated disk. After several conservative treatments and consulting with multiple specialists, I made the decision to have the recommended surgery.

“Getting this procedure done now will give me the best chance to pitch as much as possible for the Rangers in 2024. I look forward to putting in the rehab work and getting back on the mound next summer.”

Scherzer battled back issues in 2019 but started on the mound in a winner-take-all came seven for the Nationals in the 2019 World Series.

“Max, in my experience, has a very high threshold for pain, and he also knows his body really, really well,” Young said. “When he’s feeling something, he’s very open and honest about how he’s feeling. I think it has been helpful for us to in terms of managing these things.”

The Rangers will seek pitching talent to bolster the club until Scherzer’s return, Young said.

“Pitching will remain a focus and we’ll continue to look for any way to improve our club,” he said.