2012 MLB Playoffs: Max Scherzer ready for Game 4, if necessary

Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer says that his shoulder is healthy, and that he's ready to start Game 4 of the ALDS if it is necessary, according to MLive.com's James Schmehl. Scherzer threw a second bullpen session on Monday, just to make sure he's healthy and ready if the Tigers can't close out the Athletics on Tuesday.

Scherzer missed his second-to-last start of the regular season with soreness in his right deltoid. He was also initially scratched from the Tigers' regular-season finale, but did make an appearance, striking out three over four scoreless innings.

Manager Jim Leyland opted to start Anibal Sanchez in Game 3 to give Scherzer another opportunity to rest his arm.

"We decided that that would be the best way to go," Leyland said. "By pitching Sanchez in front of Scherzer, (it) would keep Sanchez from keeping off too long, too.

First pitch for Game 3 is scheduled for 9:07 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. Sanchez will face Oakland's Brett Anderson.