Rangers' playoff chances weaken after Max Scherzer hits IL

For a 40-year-old on the back end of their career, shoulder fatigue isn't the best sign. Scherzer has returned from worse before, but injuries are piling up for the future Hall of Famer. 

Since 2021, he's started only 88 games, missing time with various injuries. This season, a back injury limited Scherzer to eight starts, the same amount he made with the Rangers in 2023 after being acquired in a trade with the New York Mets. 

Meanwhile, the results simply haven't been there for Scherzer. 

Scherzer allowed only one hit in his season debut, providing hope that the veteran could have a solid campaign. However, he's thrown only 39.1 innings, failing to make it out of the fifth in five of his eight starts while posting a 3.89 ERA, currently the third-highest of his career. 

It's another tough blow to the Rangers' rotation, which is already hurting. 

Texas has been without two-time Cy Young award-winner Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, who have yet to pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Likewise, Jon Gray recently hit the IL with a right groin strain, further shortening the Rangers' staff. 

The Rangers promoted Walter Pennington from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the open spot and acquired Michael Lorenzen at the trade deadline, but they pale in comparison to what Scherzer and deGrom could bring. 

While Scherzer hasn't been himself this season, his loss puts even more pressure on a Rangers team that's holding on desperately to shrinking playoff hopes. The defending World Series champions are 52-57, four and a half games behind the Houston Astros (56-52) and Seattle Mariners (57-53) for the lead in the American League West and eight games back of the final AL wild-card spot held by the Minnesota Twins (59-48).