Rangers GM: Scherzer, Gray ‘relatively close’ to returning

The Texas Rangers could receive major reinforcements in the American League Championship Series.

Right-handers Max Scherzer and Jon Gray are working their way back from injuries that have kept them out of the playoffs.

“They’re relatively close,” Rangers general manager Chris Young said, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “My expectation is at least one if not both will hopefully be available in the next series.”

Scherzer, who’s been out since mid-September with a strained right teres major muscle, believes sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS has set the Rangers up for success when the ALCS starts Sunday.

“This is honestly the best-case scenario, for us to win in three games,” Scherzer said. “It allows me to throw a sim game (Wednesday), really extend the pitch count in a controlled setting. It puts me in the best spot – if my number gets called – to go out and perform the best I can.”

Gray, who sustained a forearm strain in late September, is also set to pitch Wednesday. However, he’s not sure if he could return as a starter or reliever in the postseason.

“I don’t know how this is going to react to a heavy workload,” Gray said. “There’s only so much I can do in a bullpen (session). But it’s been holding together really well.”

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