Max Scherzer, a pitcher for the Texas Rangers, left Game 3 of the World Series on October 31, 2023, with back tightness. He had delivered three scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing only two hits and two walks with a strikeout before leaving the game early. Scherzer clarified that his back issue was a spasm and not a strain, and his availability for the remainder of the World Series was uncertain. He explained that the next two to three days would determine his status for the remainder of the series, and he would be in line to start a potential Game 7 should the series go the distance.

Scherzer had been struggling with injuries throughout the season, including a low-grade strain of his right teres major muscle, located in the upper arm, which caused him to miss the remainder of the regular season. He returned in the ALCS from a shoulder strain but failed to go beyond four innings in each of his three playoff starts. The Rangers announced on November 1, 2023, that Scherzer and outfielder Adolis García had been removed from the World Series roster due to injury.