Max Scherzer’s confidence in Texas Rangers’ turnaround showed against Astros

HOUSTON — Max Scherzer is still going strong.

And that attitude has intensified with the Texas Rangers trying to stay in the American League West fight and defend their 2023 World Series championship.

After Scherzer helped the Rangers win two of three games against the second-ranked Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon, he backed up the statement he made to Foul Territory’s AJ Pierzynski last week that he had no intention of waiving his no-trade clause if the Rangers decided to trade before the July 30 trade deadline.

“We won the World Series last year, I think we’re going to win it,” Scherzer said after the Rangers’ 4-2 victory Sunday. “I know we’re a great team. We can compete with anybody in this league. Nothing’s changed that. Maybe our record isn’t great, and there’s been times we haven’t played our best. Well, that’s fine. That’s baseball. Every team goes through that. I always look at the talent in this room and I think we can compete with anybody in this league. And right now, we’re playing good baseball. That’s all that matters.”

The Rangers (46-50) are five games behind leader Seattle and four games behind the Astros.

Scherzer has confidence in his teammates and manager Bruce Bochy, who retired the three-time Cy Young winner with the bases loaded and none out in the fifth. Josh Sborz came in and retired all three players to preserve the lead. Bochy and Scherzer discussed an early catch before the game with the Rangers’ bullpen stocked with available arms before the All-Star break, including starter Jon Gray. So Scherzer wasn’t surprised when he was replaced by Sborz.

“I’m always going to want the ball in that situation. If I don’t want the ball in that situation, I’m out,” he said with a laugh. “But he made the right call. We knew we had more length in the bullpen. He hit the right button at the right time. Sborz came in and got three huge outs when we needed it most. Credit to him for doing his job. I’m just happy with the way I continue to progress and execute my pitches. I continue to get better every outing. It’s a good team win and a good way to go into the break.”

In five starts since returning from the injured list following offseason back surgery, Scherzer is 1-2 with a 2.96 ERA. Scherzer said he’s “shooting normally” so far.

“I’m throwing the ball well, so I’m going to continue to get better,” he said. “I’m going to continue to prepare for midseason, be able to throw a lot of balls and do it over five days. I feel good. At the end of the day, I just want the team to win. You know, Bochy is there to push the right buttons and make the team win. So no matter what, no matter what my role is, I’m a team guy, I want to win. That’s all that matters.”

You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex.

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