ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Rangers’ Max Scherzer exits Game 3 of D-backs’ World Series with back tightness

Oct 30, 2023, 6:25 PM | Updated: 10:36 pm

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer’s Game 3 outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks was cut short due to back tightness, the visiting team announced.

Scherzer came out of the dugout for the bottom of the fourth inning grimacing and trying to stretch his back out.

The pitcher proceeded to attempt a few warmup pitches before he was pulled by manager Bruce Bochy. It wasn’t immediately known if the batted ball that hit Scherzer during the second inning had anything to with the injury, per FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Scherzer exited with a 3-0 lead after three innings of work (36 pitches) and no hits allowed. He also walked a pair and struck out one.

“Max took a pretty good shot to the elbow,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters postgame. “That’s what we were concerned about, but it was his low back that tightened up on him and he just couldn’t go anymore. … We’ll see where he’s at the next 24 hours and decide where we’re at with him.”

Taking over for Scherzer was fellow Texas starter Jon Gray.

Gray, who could have been in the mix to start Game 4 of the World Series, entered the matchup with a pair of no-decisions in Game 3 of the ALCS and Game 1 of the World Series.

And while it’s a small sample size, the D-backs have found success against Gray in the postseason once before.

In Arizona’s 11-8 win over the Colorado Rockies in the 2017 National League Wild Card, Gray lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits. He struck out two.

His first inning of work on Monday night looked a lot better than the 2017 stat line behind a Gabriel Moreno strikeout, a Christian Walker groundout and Tommy Pham flyout.

Catch the rest of Game 3 between the D-backs and Rangers over on the Arizona Sports app, ArizonaSports.com or 98.7.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Josh Naylor...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Josh Naylor looking to fill leadership role, dominate at the plate

Josh Naylor is pretty clear about what he wants his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks to look like as a leader and a hitter.

21 hours ago

diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks roster projection: Spring training begins

What may the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster and lineup construction look like? Let's take an early look at the options going into spring training.

1 day ago

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

3 days ago

Trey Mancini...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks take a chance on former Orioles slugger Trey Mancini

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with former Orioles slugger, cancer survivor and World Series champion Trey Mancini.

4 days ago

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

7 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

8 days ago

Rangers’ Max Scherzer exits Game 3 of D-backs’ World Series with back tightness