The Texas Rangers have made an important move to fortify their pitching staff before their American League Championship Series matchup with the Houston Astros. The team added right-handed starters Max Scherzer and Jon Gray to their roster on Sunday. This strategic decision comes as no surprise, as Scherzer’s shoulder strain has healed and Gray has shown promising progress after being on the injured list with right forearm tightness. The Rangers are making these additions to ensure they have a strong pitching rotation for the crucial postseason games.
Max Scherzer, a seasoned veteran pitcher, joined the Texas Rangers in late July after a trade with the New York Mets. Since his arrival, he has proven himself as a top starter for the team. In eight starts, Scherzer has amassed an impressive 53 strikeouts in 45 innings, boasting a 3.20 ERA and limiting opponents to a .174/.249/.311 line. Initially, it seemed unlikely that Scherzer would be available for the rest of the season due to his injury. However, the Rangers’ exceptional playoff run, sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays and defeating the Baltimore Orioles, gave him enough time to heal and be ready for the ALCS.
Jon Gray, who signed a four-year, $56 million deal with the Rangers before the 2022 season, has also been included in the team’s ALCS roster. Gray was sidelined with right forearm tightness, but after starting 29 games with a 4.12 ERA, he is ready to contribute to the Rangers’ quest for victory. Gray’s return will provide additional depth to the pitching staff, and his experience will be valuable in high-stakes playoff games.
A Deep Rangers Team
Despite facing numerous injuries towards the end of the regular season, the Texas Rangers are now at full strength. Notable players such as catcher Jonah Heim, right fielder Adolis Garcia, and rookie third baseman Josh Jung were sidelined for significant periods. Alongside the absence of Scherzer and Gray, these injuries posed challenges for the team. However, the Rangers overcame these hurdles to secure their spot in the ALCS. Their success can be attributed to the remarkable performances of Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi, who have stepped up when needed and shined on the mound.
Montgomery’s Contribution
Jordan Montgomery, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, has seamlessly transitioned into the ace role for the Rangers. He will be starting Game 1 against the Astros’ Justin Verlander. In his 11 starts for the team, Montgomery has displayed a remarkable 2.79 ERA. His stellar pitching was evident during the wild-card series, where he pitched seven shutout innings, as well as in Game 2 against Baltimore, where he played an integral part in the team’s 11-8 win.
Nathan Eovaldi has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the postseason. He has allowed only one run in each of his starts, contributing significantly to the Rangers’ success. Eovaldi’s strong performances against the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles have solidified his reputation as an asset to the pitching staff.
The Rangers’ Options
With the addition of Scherzer and Gray to the roster, the Rangers now have more flexibility in their pitching rotation. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, could potentially slot into the Game 3 and, if necessary, the Game 7 role for the team. Scherzer has previous playoff experience against the Astros, having started Games 1 and 7 of the 2019 World Series. Gray’s presence allows the team to consider moving Dane Dunning back to the bullpen, which has performed exceptionally well in October despite initial concerns.
A Glimpse into the ALCS
The Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros are both formidable teams, each having won 90 games in the regular season. Ultimately, the Astros claimed the AL West division title on the final day of the season. Now, these two teams will face off in what is expected to be a thrilling American League Championship Series. With their newly fortified pitching staff, the Rangers are confident in their ability to compete against their rivals.
The Texas Rangers have bolstered their pitching staff ahead of the ALCS by adding Max Scherzer and Jon Gray to their roster. With the return of key players from injuries and the stellar performances of Montgomery and Eovaldi, the Rangers are well-positioned for success. As they prepare to face the Houston Astros, the Rangers are determined to capitalize on their full strength and secure a spot in the World Series.
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