Max Scherzer might pitch again this season after all.
The former Mets right-hander and current Rangers hurler told reporters Friday that he threw a bullpen and is “ready to go” for when Texas takes on the in-state rival Astros in the ALCS.
Texas has not said if he will indeed be active or if he’s on the roster or not.
“I feel good. Recovered, checked all of the boxes I possibly can,” Scherzer said during a workout at Globe Life Field, according to the Associated Press. “So I’m ready to go.”
Scherzer, traded to the Rangers before the Aug. 1 deadline, hasn’t pitched in a game since Sept. 12, when he exited early during a start against the Blue Jays.
Originally called a triceps spasm, an MRI revealed that the 39-year-old Scherzer had a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder, ending his regular season.
The Rangers clinched an American League wild card berth and have won five straight games during the postseason against the Rays and Orioles despite his absence.
Scherzer, who also reportedly took some ground balls during his workout Friday, said he did not know how long he would be able to pitch in a game, if called upon in the ALCS.
“I can’t answer that question. It’s just going to be play it by ear,” Scherzer said. “I’ll just be in communication with [manager Bruce Bochy] and [pitching coach Mike Maddux], and we’ll see how this shakes out. … We’ve had conversations, if I do feel something, I’ve got to come out of the game.”
Acquired for prospect Luisangel Acuna at the end of July, Scherzer held a 3.20 ERA in eight starts for the Rangers before he landed on the injured list.
If the veteran does indeed make a return, it could set up a potential rematch against his former Mets and Tigers teammate, Justin Verlander.
Verlander, traded from the Mets to the Astros at the trade deadline, faced off with Scherzer on Sept 6., getting the win in a 12-3 rout.
In that game, Scherzer was shellacked for seven runs, which included three homers.
Scherzer has a 3.58 ERA in 27 playoff appearances but infamously gave up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in a disastrous start for the Mets in the opening game of the 2022 wild card series, his last postseason outing.
—With Post wires