Max Scherzer will make his 2024 debut for the Rangers on Saturday against the Royals, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
After undergoing back surgery over the winter and, more recently, dealing with a nerve issue in his thumb, the Texas right-hander is on the cusp of returning to the mound just a few days after the Mets’ visit to Globe Life Field this week.
Scherzer will join the floundering Rangers, who are sitting at 33-40 and are tied with the Astros for second place in the American League West as both squads trail the division-leading Mariners by 10 games.
The future Hall of Famer waived his no-trade clause with the Mets last July after he was told that the team’s focus was on 2025 and beyond, prompting a move to Texas.
Despite the exit, Scherzer said this week that he still has love for many players in Queens.
“There’s definitely some great guys in that clubhouse,” Scherzer told The Post’s Mike Puma on Monday. “I definitely keep tabs on how they are doing and how they are playing.”
After the trade, Scherzer posted a 3.20 ERA in eight starts for the Rangers, although he missed most of the team’s playoff run with back discomfort after a shoulder issue at the end of the regular season.
In Game 3 of the World Series, Scherzer returned to pitch three scoreless innings, helping the Rangers to a 3-1 win.
The Rangers are hoping Scherzer provides a boost to what has been a disappointing post-World Series run 2024 season.
Before Tuesday, the Rangers were nine games behind the first-place Seattle Mariners and seven back of the third and final AL wild-card spot.
The 39-year-old, who turns 40 in July, told The Post that the plan right now is to take the mound again in 2025.
“My heart’s in it, yeah,” Scherzer said. “I definitely want to. I came into this year wanting to pitch next year. I didn’t come into this year thinking it was my last year.”