Rangers News: Max Scherzer and Jon Gray updates, Justin Foscue progress

It's no secret that the Texas Rangers roster has been hit hard by injuries in 2024. The defending World Series champs have had their work cut out for them while trying to be the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to win back-to-back World Championships.

While missing Josh Jung has affected the Rangers' lineup, players like Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Corey Seager have helped to offset their All-Star's absence. Texas' starting rotation, however, is a different story.

The Rangers have seen far too many starters land on the injured list this season. And while there's hope that the team will return to full strength sometime after the All-Star break, those reinforcements can't come soon enough.

Rangers News: Max Scherzer could face live hitters soon

One of the biggest holes in the Rangers starting rotation has been the loss of Max Scherzer. There was hope earlier this season that the former Cy Young Award-winner would make it back before June, but his placement on the 60-day IL last month guaranteed that wasn't going to happen.

Scherzer had a setback during his rehab processes, but threw a bullpen session over the weekend. The next order of business in his progression will be facing live batters. There's a chance that the eight-time All-Star could take that step on Monday. The Rangers desperately need Scherzer back in the rotation, but he's not the only key starter who's on the IL.

Rangers News: Jon Gray takes major step towards return

While the Rangers are hopeful that Scherzer will face live hitters on Monday, fellow starter Jon Gray is scheduled to do just that. The right-hander had been sidelined since late-May with a groin injury.

Gray has been, arguably, Texas' best starter this season. The 32-year-old is 2-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 57 innings of work this season. There's a chance that Gray could return to the Rangers starting rotation as soon as the team's weekend series against the San Francisco Giants.

Rangers News: Justin Foscue faces live pitching

Justin Foscue's major league debut was an abbreviated one. Almost as soon as the infielder was called up, he was forced to hit the IL with a left oblique strain. The Rangers shifted Foscue from the 10-day to the 60-day IL midway through the month of April.

According to the Dallas Morning News (subscription required), Foscue has resumed baseball activities and is taking swings off live pitching. The next step will undoubtedly be a rehab assignment, and if there's room on the roster, Texas could recall Foscue back to the majors rather quickly.

Foscue is one of the Rangers' top position players currently on the IL, joining the aforementioned Jung and rookie outfielder Evan Carter.

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