If the Texas Rangers are to win the World Series, Max Scherzer will probably need to make at least one more start, if not three. He will also need to pitch much better than he did against the Astros on Wednesday night when he gave up five runs in four innings.
After missing 36 days due to a sore right shoulder, Scherzer made his return to a major league game on Sunday. However, he failed to command his slider, a pitch that has been a game-changer for him throughout his career. The Rangers’ ALCS lead was reduced to 2-1 after they lost 8-5 and were unable to make up the gap.
“It comes down to execution,” said Scherzer, babbling loudly and hastily in front of his locker about how he was unable to finish pitches as he had wanted. “I know what I need to do.”
Given Scherzer’s lengthy layoff, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy had said before the game that he would be happy if Scherzer reached 93 mph. However, Scherzer’s first pitch touched 95 mph, exceeding Bochy’s expectations. And Scherzer’s curveball was well-spun.
But he was unable to use his slider to knock off batters as he has done so frequently throughout his career because it was not sharp. Scherzer fired 13 sliders, but the pitch resulted in two more hits than failed swings (13 vs. 13).
The Houston hitters were able to focus more intently and search for pitches to drive as a result, as second baseman Jose Altuve of the Astros noted after the game.
Among the five hits Scherzer gave up, Altuve leaped a high fastball for a home run. Additionally, when Scherzer tried to establish his slider or a substitute, he hit Yordan Alvarez with a pitch, threw a wild pitch, and issued a walk.
After four innings and 63 pitches, Bochy decided to yank Scherzer. “He’s going to be a little rusty overall,” he said. “I was quite happy with his work. It will only get better from here. It matters most that he feels good.
In the fourth inning, Bochy pointed toward the bullpen as Scherzer approached the bench before stopping for a brief talk. In the fifth, he was replaced by left-handed rookie Cody Bradford.
According to Scherzer, “I was trying to communicate how I felt.” “I’m not questioning any decisions, but it’s also my responsibility as the starting pitcher to express my emotions. Still, I felt powerful. I still think I have options. After that, it will be up to them to decide whether to use me or not.
For Game 4 on Thursday night, the Rangers have listed left-hander Andrew Heaney as their likely starter. Scherzer would likely get the start in Game 7 in Houston if Bochy maintains the present configuration of his rotation.
I’m not sure exactly how I’ll be used moving forward, Scherzer admitted. “However, my arm feels fine. The first thing is that.
Bochy discussed how Scherzer will become a key player for the Rangers going ahead.
Bochy said of Scherzer, “We did everything we could to get him ready for this.” He was prepared. You saw the things. One of our guys, he is. That is not anything I regret.
There was some question about Scherzer’s ability to pitch again this season for much of September, but he gradually rebuilt arm strength, participated in simulated games, and expressed optimism about wanting to contribute. His first attempt to assist failed miserably; this was the Rangers’ first postseason loss after seven straight victories.