The Washington Nationals received some crushing news on Sunday morning when they learned Max Scherzer would be unavailable to pitch in a pivotal Game 5 later that evening. The Nats started Joe Ross in his place, who allowed four runs in five innings in a 7-1 loss.
As of Monday, the Nats were still uncertain about Scherzer’s status.
MLB.com’s Jamal Collier reported on Monday that the Nats were unsure of Scherzer’s status to pitch in relief in Game 6 on Tuesday or start in Game 7 on Wednesday.
Scherzer was bothered by a back injury during the regular season and missed about a month of action. As recently as late August, he admitted the back problem was still giving him concerns. Scherzer had been having pain in his neck and right trapezius muscle prior to Sunday. When he woke up Sunday morning, he says it had “locked up” on him. Scherzer was in so much pain that he says his wife had to dress him.
The 35-year-old pitcher received a cortisone injection on Sunday, but doctors say that usually takes 48 hours to take effect, so the Nats might not know how Scherzer is handling the pain until some time on Tuesday. Stephen Strasburg and Justin Verlander are the scheduled starters for Tuesday’s Game 6.
Scherzer pitched in five innings, allowing two runs in a Game 1 win over Houston last week. He has maintained his ace form this postseason and is carrying a 3-0 record with a 2.16 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 25 innings. The Nats have won all five games in which he’s pitched, which includes four starts and one relief appearance.
H/T Hardball Talk
