For all the attention he’s been getting for what he does on the days he doesn’t pitch, Max Scherzer maybe hasn’t been getting enough attention for what does on those fifth days. Because he’s been fantastic, better than most even figured he would be when the Nationals signed him over the winter.
Scherzer, who takes the mound tonight against the Phillies, has a 1.75 ERA, 66 strikeouts and only eight walks in eight starts. He’s also sixth in the NL with a 2.6 WAR. That’s sixth among all players, not only pitchers.
Tonight, Scherzer faces a Phillies lineup and pitcher (Sean O’Sullivan) he’s already beaten twice this season.