If the Texas Rangers are going to win the World Series, they will likely need Max Scherzer to make at least one more start, perhaps as many as three -- and they will need him to perform a lot better than he did Wednesday night against the Astros, when he allowed five runs in four innings.
Making his first appearance in a major league game in 36 days, after being sidelined by a strained right shoulder, Scherzer struggled to command his slider, the pitch that has been a difference-maker for him throughout his career. The Rangers couldn't make up the deficit, losing 8-5 to see their ALCS lead cut to 2-1.
"It comes down to execution," said Scherzer, who talked over and again about how he was not able to complete pitches as he intended, his words tumbling quietly and quickly in front of his locker. "I know what I need to do."
Scherzer's first pitch was 95 mph, even more velocity than Rangers manager Bruce Bochy hoped for; given Scherzer's long layoff, Bochy mentioned before the game that he'd be pleased if Scherzer reached 93 mph. And Scherzer spun his curveball effectively.
Perhaps the most positive takeaway is that Scherzer says his arm feels fine after 63 pitches.
“Physically, actually, [I feel] really good,” Scherzer said. “The arm responded well and I still feel like I had stuff in the tank.”
A low-grade strain to the teres major -- a rotation-related muscle in the shoulder -- usually requires eight to 12 weeks to fully heal. Scherzer returned after five weeks, working tirelessly and lobbying manager Bruce Bochy for a chance in the ALCS.
That part of Scherzer’s identity remains undiminished. He is still the consummate big-game pitcher — if you’re judging by intent. But would that Max be available when he took the mound in Game 3? How would he feel? How long could he go? How effective would he be after only a sim game to bridge the gap between a month without competing and a playoff appearance?
Max Scherzer: more question than answer. And that is what made it so difficult to watch him flounder in Game 3. We were worried this was coming.
As for Scherzer's postseason history, it's not quite up to his regular-season standards but it's still good overall. Across 133 1/3 playoff innings – five relief appearances and those 22 starts noted above – Scherzer has an ERA of 3.58 with 164 strikeouts, 48 unintentional walks, and 18 home runs allowed.
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