Washington, D.C. | Max Scherzer was animated in the dugout last night. Today he lands on the 10-day IL; Photo by Marlene Koenig for TalkNats
The IL claimed another Washington Nationals victim as RHP Max Scherzer joins a long list that includes star RHP Stephen Strasburg, top reliever Daniel Hudson, and even some on the star prospects on the minor league side like RHP Jackson Rutledge and RHP Cole Henry who are the team’s No. 2 and No. 3 prospects respectively. Both Rutledge and Henry are rehabbing in West Palm Beach according to a source.
Taking Scherzer’s spot on the roster is a familiar name to Nats fans: Justin Miller. He last graced a Nats’ mound 2 years and 29 days ago when he hurt his shoulder on May 17, 2019 as Miller did not even make it to the 19-31 game. Many expected his career was over, but Miller persevered and has made it back with a fastball that is lighting up the radar gun from 93-96 mph. When we saw Miller last he was struggling to hit 90 on the gun.
Scherzer tweaked his groin in the first inning during his start on Saturday and was pulled after only recording one out. He was set to throw a bullpen session of 31 pitches yesterday and threw 10 pitches, then stopped, saying the groin issue prevented him from driving through his pitches. Today he lands on the IL and it was backdated giving him some time to get better. The Nats will need a spot starter for tomorrow.
“For me, it was after going through the process, I just want to be more cautious than not,” manager Dave Martinez said. “This is an injury right now that’s getting better. We want it to completely get better.”
To make room on the 40-man roster for Miller, the Nats DFA’d Triple-A RHP Rogelio Armenteros, and it should be noted that Miller is out of options.
For tonight’s game, the Nats have another lefty starter going with Patrick Corbin, and the Pirates have Tyler Anderson going. Many Nats have faced him before, and here is the head-to-head chart:
Analytically, the lineup made sense to sit Starlin Castro even though Anderson is a lefty. The Nats’ manager will have Jordy Mercer back in the starting lineup.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, AT&T Sportsnet Pittsburgh, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Kyle Schwarber LF
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Juan Soto RF
4. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
5. Josh Harrison 2B
6. Yan Gomes C
7. Jordy Mercer 3B
8. Victor Robles CF
9. Patrick Corbin LHP
