Max Scherzer victimized by homers, but looks good in first rehab start with Round Rock

The Texas Rangers could use some good news after watching their offense struggle to begin the season. Max Scherzer was assigned to the Round Rock Express in his first rehab assignment of 2024. He is still recovering from the herniated disk he suffered during the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He started the game Wednesday night for the Express against the Salt Lake Bees and pitched 2.1 innings. Here is how Scherzer did in his first start on the mound this season.

Max Scherzer Rehab: How did he do against the Salt Lake Bees?

Scherzer had a 26-pitch first inning, 14 of which were strikes. It was expected to be a high-pitch first inning since it was his first time on the mound this season. Fans have to remember he didn't pitch in spring training. Scherzer was able to strike out Jordyn Adams to begin the game. Unfortunately, veteran Jason Martin would work Scherzer until he smashed a home run later in the frame. He would end the first inning by striking out Hunter Dozier.

Scherzer no doubt wished the second inning started better, but unfortunately, he opened the frame by surrendering another home run. Two batters later, he whiffed Chad Wallach for the first strikeout of the second inning. After giving up a couple of hits, he struck out Adams again to end the frame.

He finished the game with 52 pitches, three runs, four strikeouts, and two home runs. The reason why his outing was short is because he was on a hard limit of 50 pitches. Though the homers were less than ideal, Scherzer attacked the zone better than expected. These hitters simply managed to beat him to the spot a few times as he knocked his rust off.

Max Scherzer Rehab: What's next for Scherzer after tonight's outing?

I'm sure the next steps for Scherzer will be talking with the medical staff and continuing to have rehab stints through May. The good thing is Scherzer should return to the mound for the Rangers earlier than expected. This wasn't a one-time rehab assignment and then up to Arlington. They will continue to increase his pitch count with each start with the Express or the Frisco RoughRiders. By the beginning of June, we could see Scherzer make his first start in a Rangers uniform this season.

The thing that Rangers fans need to take away from his first rehab assignment is that Scherzer is getting back into form. This was his first time on the mound since the World Series. Fans should expect several more starts for Scherzer in the minor leagues before he puts on his Rangers jersey this season. Hopefully, the Rangers can remain at the top of their division until he gets to Arlington.