Davey Martinez was skeptical when asked about the possibility of Max Scherzer starting in any of this week’s three games against the Atlanta Braves when he spoke to reporters after the Nationals’ victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sunday’s series finale in the nation’s capital.
“He didn’t throw his bullpen today,” Washington’s second-year skipper explained, “... so we’ll reevaluate and see how he feels tomorrow. I have to say I’m very doubtful that he’ll make his start on Tuesday.”
Scherzer and the Nationals were hoping the 35-year-old ace would be able to face the NL East-leading Braves when he returned from the Injured List after dealing with a mid-back issue that was eventually diagnosed as scapulothoracic bursitis, but the starter felt some discomfort the morning after he came the IL last week, and he was eventually diagnosed with a mild rhomboid strain, which the Nationals’ skipper said they were treating as two separate issues.