MLB Player News

Javier will start Game 3 of the ALDS at Minnesota on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez were chosen to start the first two games of the series, and Javier will take the mound for Houston's road opener of the playoffs. The right-hander posted a career-worst 4.56 ERA in 31 starts this season, though he finished the campaign on a strong note with six scoreless innings at Arizona last weekend.

Flaherty secured a spot on the Orioles' roster for their ALDS matchup against Texas, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Flaherty hasn't been used often since being moved to the bullpen in mid-September, but he's been effective in the games he has pitched, allowing one run in three innings while striking out four batters. With John Means (elbow) left off the Orioles' playoff roster, Flaherty may have an opportunity to return to a starting role in the postseason.

Scherzer (shoulder) isn't listed on the Rangers' roster for their ALDS matchup with the Orioles, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Scherzer was able to face live hitters Friday for the first time since straining the teres major muscle in his right shoulder in mid-September. Although Scherzer has been well ahead of the typical 8-to-12-week return timeline, he'll be held out for at least the first two games. However, he could return as an injury replacement if the Rangers need to rely on him later in the series, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

Means won't pitch during Baltimore's ALDS matchup against the Rangers due to elbow soreness, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Means' elbow didn't recover properly after throwing a sim game earlier in the week, so he'll sacrifice his spot on the Orioles' playoff roster as he takes a few extra days to heal. Should Baltimore advance to the ALCS, Means is expected to be available.

Dunning will not start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Orioles on Saturday as previously expected.

The left-handed Andrew Heaney is going to get the call instead, though it might be more of an opener assignment rather than a traditional start as the Rangers try to counter the O's propensity to platoon. Dunning did not pitch in the AL Wild Card Series and will presumably be available in a piggyback relief role Saturday at Baltimore. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 3.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 140:55 K:BB across 172.2 innings (26 starts, nine relief appearances) during the regular season.

Montgomery will start for the Rangers in Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday at Baltimore.

Andrew Heaney is on tap for Game 1, presumably in tandem with Dane Dunning, and then it'll be Montgomery in Game 2 and likely Nathan Eovaldi in Game 3. Montgomery posted a 0.67 ERA and 22:5 K:BB over his final 27 innings (four starts) in the regular season and worked seven shutout frames in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series this past Tuesday versus the Rays.

Heaney will start for the Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday at Baltimore.

The right-handed Dane Dunning seemed like the best bet to start Game 1 prior to Friday's announcement, but he could be viewed as a piggyback option after the left-handed Heaney navigates the tough left-handed and switch hitters that tend to occupy the top of the Orioles' batting order. Heaney finished his regular season on a high note last weekend at Seattle, scattering five hits and one walk over 4.1 scoreless innings in an 85-pitch start. His previous six appearances were in relief.

Scherzer (shoulder) faced hitters during a simulated game Friday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Scherzer threw two simulated innings against live hitters before throwing a third inning with nobody standing in the batter's box. The 39-year-old said afterward that he felt good while on the mound, but he's more concerned with how he'll recover afterward. It's possible the Rangers list Scherzer on their ALDS roster ahead of Game 1 against Baltimore on Saturday, but there is no guarantee he'll be available to pitch during the series.

Gray will start Game 3 of Minnesota's ALDS matchup versus the Astros on Tuesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gray's next postseason start will come after Bailey Ober and Pablo Lopez, who are slated to start the first two games of the series, respectively. Gray faced Houston twice in the regular season, giving up four total runs while striking out 16 batters and walking four through 13 innings.

Lopez will start Game 2 of the Twins' ALDS matchup against Houston on Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Lopez will follow Game 1 starter Bailey Ober, and Sonny Gray will start Game 3 on Tuesday. Lopez had a shaky end to the regular season, giving up 11 runs over 15.1 innings. However, he was able to bounce back nicely in Game 1 of the Twins' AL Wild Card Series against Toronto, allowing just one run over 5.2 frames while striking out three batters and walking two.