Rangers' Scherzer 'ready to go' after pen session, eyeing ALCS - ESPN

ARLINGTON, Texas — Max Scherzer declared himself «ready to go» after throwing another bullpen session and doing fielding drills Friday, two days before the Texas Rangers open the AL Championship Series.

The Rangers haven't said whether the three-time Cy Young Award winner will be on their ALCS roster, and that decision doesn't have to be made until Sunday before the Game 1 at Houston. Scherzer hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 12 because of a muscle strain in his shoulder.

«I feel good. Recovered, checked all of the boxes I possibly can,» Scherzer said during a workout at Globe Life Field before the team traveled to Houston. «So I'm ready to go.»

Texas manager Bruce Bochy, who didn't speak with reporters on Friday, and pitching coach Mike Maddux have expressed being encouraged by Scherzer's progress.

After a bullpen session in full uniform, Scherzer fielded grounders up both lines at Globe Life Field, and also did a few plays covering first base.

«I do two days of PFP in the year, one day in spring training and one day before postseason,» Scherzer said with a grin, referring to pitchers' fielding practice.

Scherzer said he was confident he would get batters out, and knew he would have to bring his A-game against the Astros. But he didn't know how long he could go in a game.

«I can't answer that question. It's just going to be play it by ear,» Scherzer said. «I'll just be in communication with Boch and Mad Dog (Maddux), and we'll see how this shakes out.… We've had conversations, if I do feel something, I've got to come out the game.»

The bullpen session followed a simulated game Wednesday, when Scherzer threw more than 60 pitches and had several up-and-down segments.

«Very encouraged, the fact that he threw 68 against