Max Scherzer does not appear close to return to mound

The Washington Nationals are continuing to make a run at the postseason without their best pitcher, and it looks like that might continue for at least a little while longer.

Manager Dave Martinez admitted Wednesday that Scherzer, who has a muscle strain in his back, may try to throw, but was not close to returning and would miss at least one more start.

As for Max Scherzer, Dave Martinez says he will miss another start at the very least. He didn’t throw yesterday and was maybe going to try today, but no sign of him on the field yet.

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) August 7, 2019

Scherzer has pitched once since July 6. After that start on July 25, his back issue flared up again, and he hasn’t pitched in a game since. Despite this, the Nationals are holding down the top wild card spot in the NL, but they’ll need him back before long if they want to make a real run in October — especially since he’d almost certainly be the preferred choice to start a one-game playoff.