Seven ALCS’s. Four World Series. Two World Championships in the last seven years.
Today begins the quest for a fifth AL Pennant and third trophy.
Justin Verlander, who led the pitching staff in their playoff runs in five of those seven years, takes the mound against the Rangers’ Jordan Montgomery.
The Astros’ ALCS roster is little changed from the ALDS group, except pitcher Ronel Blanco replaces outfielder Jake Meyers. A little surprising to this observer. Your best defensive outfielder and baserunner left off the roster. And some pop in his bat, too. Hmmm.
The Rangers get key pitching pieces back, Max Scherzer and Jon Gray.