Max Scherzer didn't pitch in the American League Division Series between the Rangers and Orioles. But that didn't stop him from celebrating with his teammates following Texas's 7–1 victory on Tuesday, finishing off a three-game sweep of the AL East champions.
Video from the Rangers' clubhouse taken by The Athletic's Levi Weaver showed the 16-year veteran partying with fury as he relished the postseason win. Teammate Austin Hedges sprayed Scherzer in the face with champagne as he shouted with delight. The pitcher then returned the favor by pouring two bottles of beer over Hedges's head.
Check out the video:
Max Scherzer and Austin Hedges holy cow pic.twitter.com/SDZsjoOfYu
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) October 11, 2023
Scherzer was not on the ALDS roster due to a shoulder injury (straining his teres major muscle, to be exact), which appeared to be a blow to the Rangers' postseason chances. But Texas still pitched well in his absence, holding a powerful Orioles lineup to 11 runs scored in three games.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner will throw a simulated game on Wednesday to evaluate his chances of pitching in the next playoff round, according to the Dallas Morning News's Evan Grant. Scherzer's shoulder injury has sidelined him since Sept. 13.
Max Scherzer's message to the team lately: "Just give me a chance, give me a chance, give me a chance, let me get back into this thing... been grinding away, doing everything I can to just be in position to have a chance, and the guys going out there and provide that chance." pic.twitter.com/EvQr8fKro3
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) October 11, 2023
The Rangers advance to the ALCS and have yet to lose a game in the 2023 postseason, sweeping the Rays (2–0) and Orioles (3–0). Texas awaits the winner of the Twins-Astros division series.
