Red-hot LHP Jordan Montgomery to start Game 2 for Rangers

Texas left-hander Jordan Montgomery will start Game 2 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday night, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said before Friday's opener.

Montgomery has excelled during the postseason, going 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in five appearances (four starts). He tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win in Monday's Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

"He's set to go. Fits in," Bochy said. "He's had enough rest. So he's good to go."

With the relief usage falling on a day in which Montgomery would have typically thrown a side session, the 30-year-old said he is right on schedule for the starting assignment.

"Coming out of the bullpen when you're not used to it, you just pitched, is tiring," Montgomery said. "But back on my five-day and tomorrow will be my five-day, so I'll be good."

Game 1 of the World Series is Friday night at Arlington, Texas. Nathan Eovaldi (4-0, 2.42) starts for the Rangers against Zac Gallen (2-2, 5.24) of Arizona in a battle of right-handers.

The Diamondbacks will start right-hander Merrill Kelly (2-1, 2.65) against Montgomery. In Game 3 on Monday, rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 2.70) will start for Arizona.

Right-hander Max Scherzer (0-1, 9.45) is the likely Game 3 starter for the Rangers.