Fans mock report that Madison Bumgarner texted Bruce Bochy making himself available for ALCS Game 7 - "Left on read"

With a World Series berth on the line, the Texas Rangers were offered additional reinforcement: Madison Bumgarner. The former All-Star and three-time World Series champion texted his former manager Bruce Bochy, who is now leading the Texas Rangers, making himself available to pitch in Game 7 of the ALCS.

The beloved San Francisco Giants legend was obviously joking when he reached out to his former manager. However, some across the league think starting Bumgarner could be in the Rangers' best interest.

Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer is slated to start the elimination game on Monday night. Many fans have said the Texas Rangers may be better off starting the former ace. Even though Bumgarner is well past his prime, some Rangers fans are highly skeptical of Scherzer, given his last unsuccessful start in Game 3 of the ALCS.

After picking up victories in the first two games of the ALCS, the Texas Rangers dropped three straight games in a row, pushing their season to the brink of elimination. Thanks to their victory on Sunday night, their 2023 season and potential first World Series berth since 2011 will be in the hands of the Rangers' aging but proven veteran Scherzer.

A look at Madison Bumgarner's postseason career

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy knows firsthand how incredible Bumgarner has been in the postseason, as the pair won three titles together with the San Francisco Giants. In 16 playoff games, Madison Bumgarner has a 2.11 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 87 strikeouts, and three complete-game shutouts.

Bumgarner has fallen off in recent years, with many believing that his time in the MLB may very well be coming to an end. This season, Bumgarner appeared in the only four games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a dreadful 10.26 ERA with an 0-3 record in only 16.2 innings.