Max Scherzer expected to be moved back in playoff rotation
Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker initially dismissed concerns about Max Scherzer’s hamstring issue affecting the team’s playoff rotation, but he was singing a different tune on Sunday.
An MRI revealed Scherzer, who left his start on Saturday in the fourth inning, has a slight tweak in his hamstring. Scherzer wasn’t ready to say Sunday whether he’d be able to start in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs. But Baker said the issue would “probably” impact the rotation.
Dusty said Scherzer's hamstring "probably" affects the NLDS rotation order.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) October 1, 2017
The Nats host Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS against the Cubs on Friday and Saturday. Game 3 would be on Monday, Oct. 9 in Chicago.
Washington could probably go with Stephen Strasburg in Game 1 if they want to move Scherzer back, and they could even use Gio Gonzalez in Game 2 to give Scherzer even more time. All three have pitched at All-Star levels this season and have ERAs under 3.00.
