Stock Up, Stock Down: Orioles, Blue Jays, Braves, Padres
By Scott Roche
Stock Down: Injuries shutting down pitchers’ seasons
Two big-name pitchers were shut down this week with one for the rest of the season and another one who is in the middle of a playoff race, likely out for the rest of the season. One is a big blow for the Texas Rangers.
First, Max Scherzer, who was acquired from the New York Mets at the trade deadline, left his start against the Blue Jays Tuesday night with an injury. The right-hander worked 5.1 innings, giving up just three hits and striking out just two in a 6-3 Texas win. He was credited with his 13th win of the season. However, it was announced Wednesday that he will not pitch again in the regular season and most likely the playoffs, if the Rangers get there.
Right-hander Max Scherzer is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a strained teres major -- a muscle that connects the scapula to the humerus. Scherzer is, Texas GM Chris Young told reporters, "unlikely" to pitch in the playoffs.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 13, 2023
Brutal news for the Rangers.
The San Diego Padres have been out of the postseason picture, in reality, for some time, and shutting Yu Darvish down for the season is no big deal. However, there have to be internal concerns in the front office as to the extent of the injury. He still has six years remaining on his contract and losing him for any time beyond this season would be big for a team that needs to bounce back in 2024 after an extremely disappointing 2023. They are likely going to lose Blake Snell, so any setback to start next season would not be good.
Despite the Braves winning the NL East, there is still a lot of baseball left this season and the races are going to start to get very good. There is still a lot to be sorted out over the next two and a half weeks.
Next. Re-visiting Bryce Harper and that HOF question. dark