The Texas Rangers have yet to announce a starting pitcher for their final game against the Houston Astros.

HOUSTON — The first half of the regular season won’t end without a hint of mystery.

The Texas Rangers have not named a starting pitcher for Sunday’s series finale against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, manager Bruce Bochy said Friday. Right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco will start for Houston.

The Rangers are actually keeping their options open. Sunday’s game would theoretically be right-hander Jon Gray’s turn in the starting rotation, though right-hander Max Scherzer, who pitched in Tuesday’s win over the Los Angeles Angels, would also be on a full four days’ rest before the All-Star break thanks to Thursday’s off day.

Gray had a spectacular May with a 1.85 ERA in four starts, but his average has dropped significantly since then. The 32-year-old has an 8.31 ERA in his last six starts (24 earned runs in 26 innings pitched) and opponents have hit .333 against him in the process. Houston has the highest batting average (.264) against right-handed pitchers in the American League this season, and Gray had an 8.31 ERA in three games against the Astros last season.

Scherzer has a 3.09 ERA in four starts since returning from the disabled list on June 23. He pitched his longest game of the season in Tuesday’s win over the Angels, allowing three runs on 95 pitches in 6 2/3 innings. The three-time Cy Young Award winner made one regular-season start against the Astros last season as a member of the Rangers and allowed seven runs in three innings on Sept. 6.

Texas could choose to start a rested Scherzer against the Astros on Sunday and use Gray in relief. Gray has performed well in relief as a Ranger; he has a 0.00 ERA in four relief innings this regular season, and he can be effective with a mix of fastball and two-pitch slider.

Twitter/X: @McFarlandShawn

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