Nationals ace Max Scherzer will not make his scheduled start against this Phillies this Sunday, as first reported by Carol Maloney for MASN.
Scherzer tells Maloney back tightness is the culprit, but it should only push back his next start by "days."
In Philly for the #Nats series vs division rival. Max Scherzer just told me he’s not pitching Sunday as previously scheduled. Said back tightness pushing back next start by just “days”. Waiting for Davey’s presser for more info now.
— Carol Maloney (@carolmaloney4) July 12, 2019Nats skipper Dave Martinez has since confirmed Scherzer underwent an MRI on his middle back, which came back negative.
After the Phillies, the Nats travel to Baltimore for two games with the Orioles, and then to Atlanta, for a four-game series against the division leaders.
Davey said Max Scherzer had an MRI on his middle back. Came back negative. Today, Max threw at 75 feet and felt great after. Ace and Skipper just being cautious. TBD on starters for O’s series. Sanchez will start Sunday for #Nats.
— Carol Maloney (@carolmaloney4) July 12, 2019Anibal Sanchez will start in place of Scherzer against the Phillies on Sunday.
Aníbal Sanchez will start Sunday instead of Max
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr) July 12, 2019The Nationals had Kyle McGowin and fellow right-handed pitchers Austin Voth and Erick Fedde stashed at nearby Double-A Harrisburg. McGowin was recalled from Harrisburg Friday afternoon, while lefty reliever Jonny Venters was placed on the 10-day Injured List – retroactive to July 8 – with a left shoulder strain.
If the Nats can manage to get by with a combination of McGowin – and either Voth or Fedde – against the Orioles, then they could open their series in Atlanta next Thursday with the more traditional rotation of a hopefully healthy Scherzer, Strasburg and Corbin, all on regular rest because of the off-day on Monday, leaving the final game to Sanchez the following Sunday.
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