Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is scheduled to make his season debut Sunday for the Texas Rangers in a start against the Kansas City Royals.

Scherzer hasn’t pitched for the Rangers since Game 3 of the World Series last fall. He had offseason surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, then experienced right thumb soreness during his rehab this season that team doctors later identified as a nerve issue extending to his right triceps.

“I’ve been looking to get out here for the past six weeks,” Scherzer said before Saturday’s game. “I can’t wait. Just chomping at the bit to get out there.”

Scherzer, who turns 40 on July 27, struck out 17 and had a 4.91 ERA in three rehab starts for Triple-A Round Rock. The first was on April 24, but he was then sidelined by the nerve issue until the other two on June 9 and 15.

Scherzer said his debut was pushed back one day being “ultra careful” because of a loss of pitching grip in recent days.

“I wanted to let that completely get out of the system, get my thumb and hand back in position,” he said. “Because we know when you lose grip strength that’s kind of a precursor before bad things happen.”

Rays’ Rosario hit in head by 99 mph pitch

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Amed Rosario left Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being hit in the head with a 99 mph fastball from Pirates rookie Jared Jones.

Jones’ third pitch to the right-handed Rosario went up and in, striking Rosario’s helmet.

Rosario crouched over for several moments at scorching PNC Park — where the game-time temperature was 95 degrees — before being helped off the field by members of the Tampa Bay training staff.

The Rays said Rosario sustained facial cuts. Manager Kevin Cash said Rosario had a “stitch or two” on his lip but called the outcome a “best-case scenario.”

“That was a scary moment for both clubs, certainly our club and I’m glad he’s OK,” Cash said.

Briefly

Phillies >> Left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sánchez and Philadelphia agreed Saturday to a $22.5 million, four-year contract covering 2025-28.

Padres >> San Diego was without outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and catcher Luis Campusano on Saturday. Tatis bruised his left triceps when hit with a pitch just above his elbow on Friday. Campusano was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Friday, with a bruised left thumb.

Mets >> New York right-hander Kodai Senga is expected to throw batting practice on Sunday, continuing his comeback from a capsule strain in his pitching shoulder. Outfielder Starling Marte likely will go for some testing after he left Saturday’s 8-1 loss to the Cubs because of right knee soreness.

Marlins >> Miami left-hander Jesús Luzardo went on the 15-day injured list for the second time this season, this time because of a lumbar stress reaction, and manager Skip Schumaker estimated his opening-day starter could be sidelined for four-to-six weeks.

Diamondbacks >> Arizona catcher Gabriel Moreno was put on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a sprained left thumb. Catcher Jose Herrera from Triple-A Reno of the Pacific Coast League.