Max Scherzer undergoes back surgery, expected to miss significant time
Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his back, delaying his start to the season until at least June or July. Scherzer attempted conservative treatments but ultimately opted for surgery. The 39-year-old ace, who was traded to the Rangers from the Mets last season, has a history of back injuries. The Rangers' Opening Day rotation will now feature Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, Andrew Heaney, and Cody Bradford, with Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle expected to return from Tommy John surgery around the same time as Scherzer. The team remains open to acquiring additional starting pitching.