Max Scherzer’s ALCS Participation in Question as Rangers Prepare for Showdown

The Texas Rangers are in the spotlight as they gear up for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the formidable Houston Astros. Their manager, Bruce Bochy, recently provided insights into the pitching situation and the roster decisions that lay ahead.

Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been a major topic of discussion. Bochy expressed optimism about Scherzer’s recent performance during an off-day session, yet he remained cautious about confirming the ace’s participation in the ALCS. Scherzer, acquired from the New York Mets at the trade deadline, has been sidelined since September 12 due to a muscle strain in his shoulder. Despite the hope that he might be ready for the AL Division Series, he was left off the roster for the opening series.

Scherzer’s progress and recovery have been closely monitored, and Bochy had this to say, “Max is doing well here. He had a nice outing , threw 60 pitches, in that area. We have some time here before we set the roster, but I have to be really encouraged with how he threw the ball, how he feels.”

The uncertainty extends to the starting pitcher for the ALCS opener in Houston, scheduled for Sunday. Bochy refrained from making any announcements regarding the starting pitcher and acknowledged that the decision would be made after careful evaluation.

The Rangers, who clinched their postseason victories in dominant fashion, are riding a wave of success. They swept the AL’s two winningest teams in the regular season, first defeating Tampa Bay in a best-of-three wild-card series and then eliminating the Orioles in a best-of-five division series. Meanwhile, the Astros, the defending World Series champions, secured their division series win over the Minnesota Twins in four games.

The Rangers’ pitching situation remains fluid, with left-hander Jordan Montgomery and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi in consideration. Montgomery, another key trade-deadline acquisition for the Rangers, started Game 2 of the division series. Eovaldi, who delivered pivotal performances in both of Texas’ series-clinching games this postseason, is set to pitch Game 2 in Houston on Monday on normal rest.

The final ALCS rosters are not due until Sunday morning, allowing the Rangers to carefully evaluate the conditions of both Scherzer and Jon Gray, who has been dealing with a forearm strain. Bochy revealed that Gray is also being kept in a holding pattern, with the possibility of being used in the bullpen.

As for Scherzer, his recent session included simulating game situations with several ups and downs, indicating his commitment to return to the mound. With a career record of 3,367 strikeouts, the highest among active pitchers, Scherzer’s presence would be a significant asset for the Rangers. He concluded the season with a 13-6 record and a 3.77 ERA in 27 starts, amassing 174 strikeouts in 152⅔ innings.

Scherzer’s journey to the Rangers involved an intricate deal that saw him exercise his 2024 option, valued at a remarkable $43.33 million, with most of the financial responsibility falling on the Mets.

In the coming days, the Rangers will continue to assess their pitching options, striving to field the best lineup as they go head-to-head with the Astros in the ALCS, promising an exhilarating showdown in the world of baseball.