"I still want to compete": Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer denies retirement thoughts, says he 'can still pitch at high level' at 40

Texas Rangers veteran pitcher Max Scherzer dismissed retirement talks amid persistent injury issues that have kept him off the mound for most of the time in the past two years. The pitcher turned 40 a couple of weeks ago, and even at this age, he can outdo many young arms.

After throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session on Friday, Scherzer was asked if he was thinking about retirement. The future Hall of Famer replied in the negative, adding thata he can still compete at a high level.

"No, not in that regard, because I've been able to go out there and compete, but I haven't been fully myself," Scherzer said. "Even when I've been out there competing, I still feel I can pitch at a high level. There are still things I can do with the baseball that I can pitch at a high level with."

"I still see myself being able to compete at a high level and be able to help the team win," he added. "I still want to compete and go out there and still do this."

There are very few active MLB pitchers who have accomplished as much as Max Scherzer. There's no denying his Cooperstown case, but the hurler thinks he still has something in the tank.

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Max Scherzer getting closer to returning to the mound

MLB: Texas Rangers at Houston Astros (Source: IMAGN)

Recovering from right shoulder fatigue, the three-time Cy Young winner is scheduled to throw 40 pitches on Sunday.

"I've got to ramp back up, throw a bullpen on Sunday, and then we'll see where I'm at and make decisions after that," Scherzer said on Friday.

"It took me a week longer to get over this fatigue, and I got through it. Now, I'm getting back on the mound and the good thing was it wasn't too much time. I'm definitely a couple of (steps) before I can get back into a game."

Manager Bruce Bochy is consistently monitoring the recovery of Scherzer and was positive about what he saw in his 25-pitch bullpen session on Friday.

"He used everything, all his pitches. He's letting it go," Bochy said. "It was a good day for him. Next step, we will wait till tomorrow, as always. I think he's in a good spot with where he's at physically now, so it's just a matter getting ready to pitch."

For now, Max Scherzer isn't feeling any pain while throwing, and with his bullpen pitches ramping up, a rehab assignment isn't too far away.