Nationals place ace Max Scherzer on the 10-day injured list
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Washington Nationals placed staff ace Max Scherzer on the 10-day injured list with a groin problem.
The team announced the move Tuesday, saying it was retroactive to Sunday.
Scherzer "tweaked" his groin in the first inning during his start on Saturday. He warmed up in the outfield Monday before beginning a bullpen session, which was expected to be 31 pitches. Scherzer threw 10 pitches, then stopped, saying the groin issue prevented him from driving through his pitches.
Scherzer was scheduled to pitch Wednesday in the finale of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Nationals considered pushing his start back as opposed to placing the three-time Cy Young winner on the injured list, but opted for the 10-day stint away from the field.
"For me, it was after going through the process, I just want to be more cautious than not," Nationals manager Davey Martinez said. "This is an injury right now that´s getting better. We want it to completely get better."
Scherzer (5-4, 2.21 ERA) should miss one start. He´s been adamant the injury is minor, even hesitating to call it an injury.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Friday, June 11, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Veteran reliever Justin Miller was called up from Triple-A Rochester to take Scherzer´s spot. RHP Rogelio Armenteros was designated for assignment to free a 40-man roster spot for Miller.
Scherzer joins Stephen Strasburg (neck) on the Nationals´ injured list. Strasburg has made just five starts this season. There is no timeline for his return. RHP Will Harris, RHP Daniel Hudson, and LHP Luis Avilán are also on the injured list.
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Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer, right, greets Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Don Kelly on the field before a baseball game, Monday, June 14, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer pauses as he speaks to media on the field before a baseball game against Pittsburgh Pirates, Monday, June 14, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
