Nationals ace Max Scherzer exited Friday's start against the Giants after just 12 pitches with an apparent injury.
After retiring LaMonte Wade Jr. on a flyout to start the first, Scherzer had thrown five pitches to Brandon Belt – the second batter of the game – and pulled up lame after unleashing the sixth, a 95-mph fastball for a ball to bring the count to 3-2.
Scherzer took an extra beat to compose himself for his next pitch, then bent over at the mound seemingly attempting to stretch his back. That was all skipper Dave Martinez and head athletic trainer Paul Lessard needed to see to approach the mound for a closer look.
Scherzer, under the close supervision of Martinez and Lessard, threw just one warm-up pitch, grimacing afterwards, before Martinez shook his head and pulled the plug, sending Scherzer to the clubhouse for further examination.
Max Scherzer winces as he attempts to stretch his back out in the first inningTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Nationals brought in Paolo Espino from the bullpen in relief.
Scherzer is 5-4 in 13 starts this season with a 2.22 ERA, the best of his career.
