Max Scherzer: ‘I’m pitching in the NLDS’

Max Scherzer repeated his statement Tuesday to make sure it was clear.

“Oh, I’m pitching in the NLDS,” Scherzer said. “I’m pitching in the NLDS.”

Scherzer hit the field Tuesday about 90 minutes after the Washington Nationals’ first workout of the week began. He threw in right field from flat ground while Stephen Strasburg threw a bullpen session. Those things suggest Strasburg could well be in line to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series between the Nationals and Chicago Cubs on Friday night at Nationals Park.

Whether Scherzer pitches the first or second game has little relevance in the big picture. The hamstring “tweak” that forced him out of his final regular-season start Sept. 30 may be provided an extra day of rest and strengthening if Scherzer does not pitch until Saturday. Otherwise, the day of his start will not influence his future participation in the series or beyond. If Scherzer starts Game 2, he can still pitch Game 5 on regular rest.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker said the outcome of Scherzer’s bullpen session planned for Wednesday will help decide who is pitching Game 1. There were multiple indications Tuesday that it would be Strasburg in that spot.

As for Scherzer, he needs a hard test of the hamstring. He said the issue does not show itself unless he is pitching at maximum effort.

“I’m able to throw a baseball on flat ground,” Scherzer said. “The only time you do feel anything with this injury is when you’re near 100 percent throwing a baseball. It’s very related to my pitching mechanics, not necessarily how I run or sprint. I just continue to get more treatment, continue to do what I need to do. Just live it day by day.”

Scherzer finished the season with a 2.51 ERA. A stunning second half drilled Strasburg’s ERA down to 2.52. In 10 starts since the All-Star break, Strasburg allowed six earned runs to produce the lowest ERA of his career in a season with 23 starts or more. Even if Scherzer was healthy, deciding between the two would be difficult. The Nationals do feel assured of this: Unlike last year, they both will be ready this postseason.