Max Scherzer is back in the Nationals rotation, but he’s not yet back to full health, per MLB.com’s Jamal Collier. How he feels the day after a start is a touchstone for Scherzer, who classified his own health status as “not out of the woods yet.”
In what amounted to a rehab start, Scherzer went four innings in a series finale win in Pittsburgh on Thursday, but as he gutted out a 4-inning, 71-pitch return, he was clearly working a gear or two below normal. It’s uncertain how long it will take before he’s back to full-blown Mad Max status.
Still, Scherzer remains ever-confident in his ability to not only bounce back, but potentially emerge stronger. “You know, heck, in some ways this might make me a better pitcher,” Scherzer said, per Collier. “When I come out on the other side, I may be a better pitcher because of this because of what I’m learning how to do right now and how to still be sharp and yet still be controlled. So let’s look at this glass half full.”
While that’s certainly a scary proposition for opposing hitters, simply returning to full health as one of the two or three best pitchers in the game would be more than enough progress for the Nationals.
Scherzer’s understudy has also been dealing with an injury scare, but Joe Ross is set to make his scheduled start today at Wrigley Field. Ross had been immaculate in holding the line with a 0.42 ERA in four starts before a Josh Bell line drive off his shin forced him to leave his last start early.
As for Erick Fedde, the presumptive fifth starter before Ross’ recent run, he could eventually move to the bullpen. For now, he will likely get at least one more turn in the rotation. Dave Martinez suggested the Nats might keep a 6-man rotation for the next week or so. Even with days off already built in, the Nats would err on the side of caution in giving everyone an extra day or two between turns as they gear up for the final push in September. After all, even the Nats healthy contingent of starters – Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez – have dealt with injuries in the past. Of course, if the Nats offense keeps this up – they’re averaging 10 runs per game over their last 9 games – Scherzer can take all the time he needs.
The way the Nats have turned their season around is incredible. I’m actually pulling for them to finally dethrone the Dodgers in the National League. This team looks really good but can they keep it going through September and October?
yeah they’re gonna be a tough matchup for anyone with that pitching staff, especially if Max back to full health. I just hope Braves can hang onto division, I wouldn’t wanna play the Nats in a one-game wildcard
If I was a betting man with a 6 game lead I’d say the Braves are safe but you never know. But yeah 1 game wild card with the best pitcher on baseball is tough
might be worth betting on if you were a betting man. but i wouldn’t call it “safe”
If the Braves didnt win the division they would not be facing the Nats in the wild card game….the Nats would win the division.
Unless, Mets?
I dunno maybee they do it may be they don’t do it who nows but mad max is a stud and a half.. z imagine is valddie mvp was in nats. Watch then.
ahh ‘Mad Max’ that’s it
….its says ‘Max Max’ in the article and thought it didn’t sound right lol
And this is why you should say no to drugs.
Ok pall. You a macho man. Or something? Just a post don’t be mean
your posts are all the same…a bunch of rambling and a random obsession with “Vladdie MVP” and how we should all imagine Vladdie MVP on the team whom the post is about…
I am sorry.
it’s good and all to be excited about a player, you just don’t always have to include them in your posts ;)
If the Nationals miss the post season this year It is possible they might move him during the offseason to retool their team for the future. The Nationals have a lot of decisions to make with pending free agents to filling holes. Like I said if the Nationals miss the post season.
No one would want to gut an entire farm system to pay what max is worth. It may take 2 or 3 teams top prospects to pay what Max is really worth. Thats why Angel’s would never have been able to find a trade partner for Trout.
I can see the White Sox possibly sending the Nationals Cease, Collins and one or two mid level guys for Schrezer if the opportunity comes.
pretty sure the Nationals would send them back…. postage due
Trout is also under 30 years old while Schrezer is 34 or 35 with $70 million owed to him in the last two years of his deal where it cost a team the farm for him.
owed way too much money, plus after this season (if he doesn’t already have one) he’ll have a full no trade clause kick in.
only way max is traded at this point is if he requests it
There’s no way they’re trading him!!! You think there gonna try to rebuild if they don’t make the playoffs??
Nats strategy is similar to the Giants. Never Rebuild!
Braves play the Nats 7 more times we just have to split to hang onto division.
Is it possible to split seven games? I believe the Braves win that division by the middle of September.
you play more than just the Nationals. so not only “split” with the Nationals, but not get outperformed in the other games.
The Braves have done an admirable job so far. i wouldn’t be surprised if they hold on to the Division. I also would not be shocked if the Nationals closed that gap and passed them. will be fun next 6 weeks
Mad Max has been clearly the best and most feared pitcher in baseball. With his 12 years and 170 wins will he make the Hall of fame? He deserves it, but the amount of wins he has and these starting pitchers today acquire over their careers is awfully low.