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Schezer set to return Thursday while Doolittle talks setback

PITTSBURGH — Nationals ace Max Scherzer is on track to start Thursday, while closer Sean Doolittle hopes to return to full strength by late August.

Scherzer threw a bullpen session at PNC Park before Monday’s game against the Pirates, two days after throwing a simulated game at Nationals Park.

“See you Thursday,” Scherzer told reporters.

“He felt good again today. So he’s scheduled to pitch Thursday,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said. “It was his regular routine. He felt good. Everything went according to plan. The plan is: he’s ready for Thursday.”

Martinez said Scherzer will be limited Thursday to about 75 pitches against the Pirates.