Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is working his way back to the major league pitching mound after undergoing back surgery during the offseason. During a recent minor league rehab start, Scherzer threw 52 pitches and surrendered three runs on five hits. Despite the results of the outing, Scherzer remains focused on how his body responds to the rehab. He expressed confidence in his physical condition and his ability to build up his strength for a return to the Texas Rangers.
After completing his rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock, Scherzer addressed ongoing issues with umpires in the MLB. He suggested implementing a regulation system for umpires to penalize those who consistently make inaccurate calls. Scherzer proposed ranking umpires based on their performance with the help of an electronic strike zone. The lower-rated umpires would be demoted to the minor leagues as a way to improve the quality of officiating in the major leagues.
Scherzer emphasized that while he believes the majority of umpires do a good job, there should be consequences for those who consistently fail to accurately call balls and strikes. By relegating underperforming umpires to the minor leagues, the MLB could ensure a higher standard of officiating. The minor leagues currently utilize an automated strike zone, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating technology into the assessment and ranking of umpires at the major league level.
Despite the ongoing debate over umpire performance in the MLB, Scherzer remains focused on his recovery and eventual return to the Rangers. He expressed satisfaction with his physical condition and ability to continue building up his strength and endurance. Scherzer will likely need to make at least one more minor league start before he is cleared to rejoin the major league team, but he is approaching the process with a positive attitude and determination to get back on the mound.
As Scherzer progresses through his rehab and prepares for a potential return to the Rangers, he continues to advocate for improvements in the MLB umpiring system. By implementing a regulation system and utilizing technology to assess and rank umpires, Scherzer believes the league can enhance the overall quality of officiating and ensure a fair and consistent standard for all players. Despite the challenges of recovering from surgery, Scherzer remains committed to his rehabilitation and looks forward to making a positive impact on the field once he is fully recovered and back in the game.
