'Dallas' Rangers Starting Jordan Montgomery, Facing Houston Astros Ace Justin Verlander in ALCS Game 1

The Texas Rangers named Jordan Montgomery as the starter for Sunday's Game 1 of the American League Championship Series opposite Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros.

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander caused a minor stir in August when he referred to the Texas Rangers as “Dallas.” Whether it was an honest slip of the tongue or playful jab, it’s the stuff that happens between two rivals.

And, yes, even though the Astros have dominated the Silver Boot Series for years – and the American League – the Rangers are a rival.

Just ask Verlander.

“Any time you play a division rival in the playoffs,” he said, according to MLB.com, “you know each other so well it makes for a fun series.”

Jordan Montgomery is Texas' probable Game 1 starter of the ALCS against Houston / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The fireworks with a spot in the World Series on the line begin Sunday night in Houston with Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. Verlander slated to start for the Astros. The Rangers listed Jordan Montgomery as the probable opening-game starter on social media.

The Texas pitching staff will be shuffled if either Max Scherzer and/or Jon Gray are activated. ALCS rosters aren’t due until Sunday morning, so Bochy has some time.

Scherzer appears to be a candidate to return to the rotation, while Gray would likely work out of the bullpen.

“I think more so with Max,” Bochy said of either starting. “I think he’s been stretched out more than Jon has been recently. Jon, I would lean more toward into the bullpen. But there’s a possibility he could start, too. I just want to see where he’s at the next couple of days.”

The logical choice for Game 1 has been Montgomery, who’s already made two starts in the playoffs. The lefty threw seven scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card round before battling through four innings and allowing five runs in Game 2 of the ALDS with the Baltimore Orioles.

Verlander would definitely have the edge in experience. His 17 career postseason wins trail only Andy Pettitte in MLB history, and ranks first in playoff strikeouts (236) and third in innings (213 2/3).

Verlander beat the Rangers on Sept. 6 in a matchup against Scherzer in Arlington. Verlander has allowed just one earned run in his last three starts, including Game 1 of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins.

World Series Odds for Rangers, Astros

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