The ALCS moves to Arlington Texas as the Astros visit the Rangers. Cristian Javier takes the mound for Houston against Max Scherzer. The Rangers lead the series 2-0.

Javier, at seasonal age 26, posted the worst season of his career. He did pitch more than ever before, racking up 162 innings for the first time. His strikeout rate came way down, however, from a career average entering the season of 11.2 per 9 IP to 8.8 per nine in 2023. That led to a much higher number of hits against him, including a high number of home runs, and a 4.56 ERA. He did turn that around in the ALDS, striking out nine in five innings and allowing just one hit against the Twins. For his career, in the post-season, he bends, but does not break, as he struck out 57 batters in 37 2/3 innings while walking 21 but allowing just 15 hits.

Scherzer owns a mixed history in the post-season. He stands 7-7 with a 3.53 ERA in twenty seven appearances, twenty two of them starts. He was at his best in 2019, when his six appearances led to a 3-0 record and 2.40 ERA to help the Nationals to a World Series championship. What strikes me about that post-season is that Scherzer walked 15 batters in 30 innings. Overall he walked 51 batters in 133 1/3 innings. Great pitchers like Scherzer challenge batters in the strike zone. Great hitters, however, can hit those pitches, and one tends to face great hitters in the post-season. The season he avoided the zone a bit led to his greatest success.

Enjoy!