Max Scherzer undergoes back surgery

[South Side Hit Men]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/max-scherzer-back-surgery-rangers-june-july.html

Unlike DeGrom who might return late or not at all, Scherzer is slated to return in June or July.

Would count Texas, the Dodgers, Atlanta and the Yankees as the four favorites to acquire Cease if he is indeed traded this offseason.

[ptatc]

12 minutes ago, South Side Hit Men said:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/max-scherzer-back-surgery-rangers-june-july.html

Unlike DeGrom who might return late or not at all, Scherzer is slated to return in June or July.

Would count Texas, the Dodgers, Atlanta and the Yankees as the four favorites to acquire Cease if he is indeed traded this offseason.

Long rehab time must be a significant herniation and they need to do an open procedure versus a microdiscectomy. 

[South Side Hit Men]

3 minutes ago, ptatc said:

Long rehab time must be a significant herniation and they need to do an open procedure versus a microdiscectomy. 

Is the June/July return timeline feasible / realistic?

Can he return 100%, or is there an adjustment period to regain full comfort and strength?

[ptatc]

36 minutes ago, South Side Hit Men said:

Is the June/July return timeline feasible / realistic?

Can he return 100%, or is there an adjustment period to regain full comfort and strength?

That is reasonable. Discectomies are tricky for pitchers so much of it will depend on how much and how long the nerve was compressed. The tissues due to the surgery will heal in 4 weeks, the disc itself doesn't have significant nerve fibers in the outer rings. After tissue healing it's just stretching the involved tissues. 

The nerve healing is the wildcard. It can take months or a year in severe cases. But in his scenario, a couple of months is reasonable.