Major League Baseball

Max Scherzer undergoes back surgery, will miss start of 2024 season

Updated Dec. 15, 2023 1:06 p.m. ET

Max Scherzer had surgery for a herniated disk in his lower back and will miss the start of next season for the World Series champion Texas Rangers.

General manager Chris Young said Friday that Scherzer, who was removed from the roster during the World Series because of back discomfort, had surgery Thursday after injections and other less-evasive treatments didn't relieve the pain. Young said the team is hopeful that the three-time Cy Young Award winner will be fully healed and recovered by June or July.

Scherzer said in a statement released by the team Friday that the back pain got worse after he returned to his offseason home in Florida, and that he received the diagnosis of a herniated disk.

"After several conservative treatments and consulting with multiple specialists, I made the decision to have the recommended surgery," Scherzer said. "Getting this procedure done now will give me the best chance to pitch as much as possible for the Rangers in 2024. I look forward to putting in the rehab work and getting back on the mound next summer."

The 39-year-old Scherzer was forced from his start in Game 3 of the World Series after three innings. He would have been in a line to start a potential Game 7, but was removed from the roster before Game 4 in Arizona, the night before the Rangers won their first World Series title by winning Game 5.

A trade-deadline acquisition from the New York Mets on July 30, Scherzer strained a muscle in his right shoulder on Sept. 12 and returned to make two starts in the AL Championship Series against Houston, going 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA. Scherzer allowed five runs over four innings and took the loss in Game 3, and then gave up two runs in 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision in Game 7.

"Obviously not the best news, but nonetheless, we're glad that we have a diagnosis and a solution," Young said. "Max is recovering and feeling better already, and we look forward to getting him healthy and back out there next summer."

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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