Max Scherzer Bumps Back Second Half Debut as Back Tightness Continues
By Brian Cass
As the Washington Nationals enter the second half of the MLB season, they'll start six games back of the NL East leading Atlanta Braves and tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for second place in the division.
They'll need all the help they can get in order to make a run at the postseason, but it appears they'll be without their ace Max Scherzer for longer than they initially expected. Scherzer was scheduled to make his second half debut on Sunday against the Phils, but has since been removed from the rotation due to back tightness.
Max Scherzer felt some “mid-back” tightness but his MRI came back clean, Dave Martinez said. The Nationals will start Anibal Sanchez on Sunday and they have not yet decided their starters against Baltimore (next Tue and Wed). Scherzer threw from 75 feet today and “felt good.”
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) July 12, 2019
Scherzer's back problems started during his last start against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The back soreness prevented him from pitching in Tuesday's All-Star Game as he underwent MRIs, which came back clean.
Reports have yet to indicate how long Scherzer could be out for, but it seems the Nationals are optimistic about his return as they haven't announced their pitchers for next week's series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Here are all 68 of Max Scherzer's June strikeouts in one convenient video.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 3, 2019
45 IP // 25 H // 5 ER // 5 BB // 68 K pic.twitter.com/hs6GuVZZJ2
Scherzer has been one of the best aces in the league this season and could be on his way to his fourth Cy Young if he keeps up his stellar play.
Although the Nats could really use him in this weekend's series against Philly, there's no sense in rushing him back and causing his back problems to worsen. As long as he comes back healthy and ready to attack the second half of the season, Washington and their fans will be happy.