David SchoenfeldESPN Senior WriterI read for 1 minute
BALTIMORE — Max Scherzer is out of the Texas Rangers ‘ playoff roster — at least for the division series against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Orioles also announced left-hander John Means as a possible candidate to start Game 3 after coming down with elbow soreness after pitching a couple of innings in a simulated game as they prepare for the Rangers.
Scherzer threw two innings in his own simulated game on Friday and said afterward that he felt better, but acknowledged the recovery process — he’s trying to return much earlier than expected from a shoulder problem — hasn’t been easy. Scherzer has been out since September 12.
“He pitched and threw well yesterday, he said he felt better this morning, but we felt there wasn’t enough information to put him on the roster,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday. “He’s going to miss the first couple of games anyway. He’ll continue to improve and we’ll see where he stands in a few days.”
Means’ injury was unexpected since he returned from Tommy John surgery in September and posted a 2.66 ERA in four starts. Manager Brandon Hyde said he expects Means to be ready for the ALCS if the Orioles advance.
The Orioles will carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers for the ALDS. Means’ absence opened up a roster spot for Jack Flaherty, and they listed Brian Baker opposite Shintaro Fujinami in the bullpen.
