Max Scherzer was six weeks behind when spring training began. He wondered when he would take the mound in the regular season. The Washington Nationals wondered if he was en route to the disabled list to start the season.
The stress fracture in a knuckle on his right ring finger had prevented him from taking steps in his annual throwing program. At spring training in Florida, he was initially working off to the side. His teammates moved onto the new bullpen mounds in groups. Scherzer was off schedule and out of the mix.
His recovery since has been rapid and significant.