After much speculation, it's now official.
Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer will start Game 3 of the ALCS against the Astros on Wednesday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Monday ahead of Game 2, according to 105.3 The Fan's Jared Sandler.
Scherzer, who has been out since September with a strained teres major muscle behind his right shoulder, was named to the Rangers' ALCS roster after reporting no ill effects from throwing 60-plus pitches in a simulated game on Oct. 11 and a bullpen session on Oct. 13.
After throwing that bullpen session and doing some fielding work, Scherzer declared himself 'ready to go.'
“I recovered,” Scherzer told reporters Friday, including Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. “I checked all the boxes I possibly can. I’m ready to go. I respect what Houston can do. They’re obviously a great team. I’ve got to bring my A-game.”
Scherzer is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 27 postseason appearances (22 starts). While pitching for the Dodgers against the Astros in the 2019 World Series, Scherzer had a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings pitched (2 starts).
The Astros have yet to announce their starter for Game 3.