Scherzer set to start Game 3 of ALCS

Max Scherzer will start Game 3 of Major League Baseball’s American League Championship Series for the Texas Rangers against the Houston Astros on Wednesday night with his club up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, has been out since Sept. 12 because of a muscle strain in his shoulder.

“He’s ready. That’s why he’s starting Game 3,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “A few days ago back (at) home he threw 69 pitches to hitters and came — he came out of that fine. And, during that time, he maintained his stamina stuff.”

Bochy said Scherzer, who was traded from the New York Mets this summer, is excited for his return. “Believe me, he’s been wearing me out a little bit, just assuring us that, hey, I’m healthy, I’m ready to go,” Bochy said.

Houston is countering in Game 3 with right-hander Cristian Javier, who was 10-5 with a 4.56 ERA this season.

Scherzer, 39, went 13-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 27 starts this campaign. He went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts after the trade.

Scherzer is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 27 post-season games. When he appears for the Rangers, it will be the fifth team he has pitched for in the playoffs after the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.

While with Washington, he started Games 1 and 7 of the 2019 World Series against Houston. He got the win in Game 1 and didn’t factor in the decision in Game 7, won by the Nationals at Minute Maid Park. He had a 3.60 ERA over 10 innings in that series.