Red Sox tab Fister as Game 3 starter
The Boston Red Sox announced Thursday that right-hander Doug Fister will start Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, according to Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston.
| Game | Starters |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Sale vs. Justin Verlander |
| 2 | Drew Pomeranz vs. Dallas Keuchel |
| 3 | Doug Fister vs. TBA |
The Red Sox claimed Fister off waivers in late June as rotation depth. The 33-year-old has significant postseason experience dating back to his time as a member of the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals.
Fister's appeared in nine career playoff games (eight starts) and owns an impressive 2.60 ERA with 16 walks, 40 strikeouts, and only two home runs allowed in just over 55 innings.
That bumps right-hander Rick Porcello, last year's American League Cy Young winner, farther down in the rotation - if he starts at all. He's available out of the bullpen for the first two games, but could start Game 4. Porcello hasn't enjoyed the same postseason success as Fister, posting a far less impressive 5.66 ERA in 20 2/3 innings pitched over nine appearances (three starts).
The Astros have yet to name a Game 3 starter, though it's expected to be one of Charlie Morton, Lance McCullers, or Brad Peacock.
In 15 starts (18 games) with the Red Sox this year, Fister pitched to a 4.88 ERA, but a far better 3.98 FIP across 90 1/3 innings. His 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings marked a career high.
The series begins Thursday in Texas.