Scherzer, three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been out since September 12 due to a shoulder muscle strain
HOUSTON -- Texas Rangers starters Max Scherzer and Jon Gray have been included in the roster for the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, which starts this Sunday night.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been out since September 12 due to a shoulder muscle strain.
Scherzer, who was traded from the Mets this summer, said he was "ready to go" after throwing a bullpen session and doing fielding drills on Friday.
Gray returns after last playing for the Rangers on September 25. He had been dealing with stiffness in his right wrist.
For the Astros, their only change from the Division Series was replacing outfielder Jake Meyers with right-handed reliever Ronel Blanco. Manager Dusty Baker announced on Saturday that reliever Kendall Graveman would not be on the roster as he continues to deal with discomfort in his right shoulder.
To make room for Scherzer and Gray, the Rangers removed left-hander Brock Burke and right-hander Matt Bush from the roster.
Scherzer has a record of 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 27 postseason games in his career with 22 starts. When he starts for the Rangers, it will be the fifth team he has pitched for in the postseason after previously playing for Detroit, Washington, Dodgers, and Mets.
While with Washington, he started Games 1 and 7 of the 2019 World Series against the Astros. He won Game 1 and had no decision in Game 7. He had a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings in that series.
He had a 1-1 record against Houston this season. He struck out eight batters and allowed one run in eight innings on June 19. But the Astros tagged him for seven runs, including three home runs, in three innings on September 6.
Gray had a 9-8 record with a 4.12 ERA in 29 starts this season.
Both teams have 13 position players and 13 pitchers on their respective rosters.