‘Buying time’ Texas, CS level after 12 years, begins to return to ‘Ace’
Max Scherzer (39) welcomed the Texas Rangers' advance to the Championship Series (CS) more than anyone else.
MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball (MLB), reported on the 12th (Korean time) the possibility of Scherzer's return to CS. Scherzer, who was acquired through a trade last July, left the team in September. After the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 13, when he faced off against Ryu Hyun-jin as the starting pitcher, he was placed on the injured list due to a right arm teres major problem. Initially, Texas general manager Chris Young said about Scherzer's chances of appearing in the postseason (PS), "there is almost no chance." It didn't seem like it would be easy for him to return, but he is quickly getting back in shape.
Before Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS, 3 wins out of 5) against Baltimore on the 8th, Scherzer put the batter at bat and threw the ball. He is expected to pitch one more time before CS starts and then decide whether to return to the roster. MLB.com reported that Scherzer said that a sweep in the ALDS was the best scenario for him. 'Because (before the CS roster is finalized) he's given a few more days to throw another simulation game in a controlled environment.'
Scherzer's return is close to a miracle. Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in MLB history with a career record of 214 wins (16 years), 108 losses, and an ERA of 3.15. He boasts a brilliant personal career, including three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star selections. He also has a wealth of fall baseball experience. He pitched in a total of 27 PS games (22 as a starter) and achieved a record of 7 wins, 7 losses, and an average ERA of 3.58. In 2019, he also led the Washington Nationals to a World Series win.
Texas swept the ALDS against Baltimore in three straight games and advanced to CS for the first time in 12 years. The winner of the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros will face off for a spot in the World Series. Houston currently leads the series with 2 wins and 1 loss. Scherzer's career record against Minnesota is 9 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA of 4.09, and against Houston, he has 5 wins, 2 losses, and an average ERA of 3.84.