Title: Max Scherzer and John Means left off Texas Rangers’ playoff roster for division series against Baltimore Orioles
Date: October 7, 2023
Author: David Schoenfield, ESPN Senior Writer
Baltimore, MD – The Texas Rangers will be without Max Scherzer in their playoff roster for the division series matchup against the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, the Orioles announced that left-hander John Means, a potential candidate to start Game 3, was left off the roster due to a sore elbow.
Scherzer, who has been out since September 12 with a shoulder issue, threw two innings in a simulated game on Friday and expressed feeling good afterward. However, the recovery process is proving to be challenging for the veteran pitcher as he attempts to make an earlier than expected return.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy explained the decision, saying, “He pitched yesterday and threw well and he said he felt pretty good this morning, but we felt like we didn’t have enough information to include him on the roster. He was going to miss the first two games anyway. He’ll keep progressing, and we’ll see where he stands in a few days.”
Means’ absence comes as a surprise as he had performed well since returning from Tommy John surgery in September. He posted an impressive 2.66 ERA in four starts. Manager Brandon Hyde expects Means to be ready for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) if the Orioles advance.
For the ALDS, the Orioles will carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers. Means’ injury opened a roster spot for Jack Flaherty, while Bryan Baker was chosen over Shintaro Fujinami in the bullpen.
The Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles will face off in the division series, with the absence of Scherzer and Means adding an intriguing element to the matchup. The Rangers will need to rely on their remaining pitchers to step up, while the Orioles will have to adapt their starting lineup to account for Means’ absence. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the series.