Can Max Scherzer Shed His “Worst Postseason Pitcher” Label to Propel the Texas Rangers to a Historic World Series?

Once tagged as ‘bad’, it is hard to untag. But Max Scherzer seems to be an exception to that statement. Although there have been disappointments, what’s earnestness if not what this former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher had shown? Something about him made the former Yankees legend say, “But he’s a bulldog, and I’ve always respected that about him”. 

With that, does the title of “Worst Postseason Pitcher” do justice to him and his recent performance? If yes, what is the World Series going to look like? If not, do the Texas Rangers have a hand in creating history? Well, these questions don’t have solid answers yet. But fans are hopeful, so is Derek Jeter. 

How Did Max Scherzer Become The “Worst Postseason Pitcher”?

As per the tweet by @YankeeWRLD, they released a list captioned “The worst Postseason ERA of the 2020s with at least 25 innings pitched”. The Texas pitcher Max Scherzer tops the list standing at a 5.68 ERA. This infamy dates back to 2021 when Scherzer headed west to join the Lone Stars. 

The worst conceivable timing for Scherzer’s dead arm incident occurred just after he grappled in the 2021 NLCS. After the postseason concluded, Scherzer first attributed his arm problems to the Dodgers’ mishandling of him. Though he said, “I don’t blame the Dodgers“, he sent out mixed signals. As of 2023, in Game 3 of the ALCS, Max Scherzer, a former pitching titan, flopped on the mound. As the Rangers’ faithful saw the win slip away from them, they were left doubting his skills. 

Nevertheless, he is on a mission to prove himself as an asset to the West. Max Scherzer had the team’s pitching load once again resting on his shoulders. Game 7 was the impending prophecy of the tie between the Astros and Rangers. But in that, he emerged victorious. But Derek Jeter, former shortstop for the New York Yankees, had praised Max Scherzer even before his stellar performance. 

This Max Scherzer Is Not The Same As Before

Derek Jeter talked about a few of the essential characteristics that made Max Scherzer such a strong man. “When he came up in Detroit, and it was him and Verlander pitching on the same pitching staff, he’s got that mental toughness, he wants to finish everything he starts,” the 49-year-old said. Does this mean that there is a stark difference between the old and the new Scherzer?

That said, apart from bagging the Game 7 win for the Rangers after he led them, he even made his way to a rare club. Max Scherzer will be the fifth pitcher to start a winner-take-all game for three different teams, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.

Read More: “Granpa Ain’t Making That Play”: Rangers Fans Point to ‘Mets Effect’ as 39-Year-Old Max Scherzer’s Injury Resurfaces

Scherzer’s performance in this World Series will undoubtedly be a defining moment in his career, regardless of the outcome. It will serve as a testament to the enduring hope and anticipation that sports fans hold for their heroes.

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