The Nationals are back in the District Monday after a nine-game road trip. But a slew of players, including Max Scherzer and Juan Soto, will spend some time on the sidelines.
Scherzer is scheduled to throw in a simulated game Tuesday as part of his recovery from last month’s mild rhomboid strain. The inflammation marked the right-hander’s second time on the injured list this summer.
Manager Dave Martinez said that Scherzer was able to throw a little bit before Monday’s game.
“This is a progression thing,” Martinez said. “There is no timetable for him. We just want to make sure that when he comes back, he’s 100% the same.”
Juan Soto, who sprained his ankle Sunday against the New York Mets, was able to jog and swing the bat before Monday’s contest.
“I feel really good now,” Soto said. “It’s not swollen or anything. It looks real good.”
Soto broke his ankle back in 2017, so he was scared that Monday’s injury could be a repeat of the past. He felt better about his injury after X-rays came back negative.
Second baseman Brian Dozier was not in the starting lineup Monday after developing flu-like symptoms Sunday. He was still available to pinch-hit Monday.
“He’s sick so he’s going to see a doctor again today, again, but he’s got some kind of flu-like symptoms, so he was down today,” Martinez said.
Lefty reliever Roenis Elias is still strengthening his injured hamstring. Martinez doesn’t know when Elias will be reinstated.
Elias was acquired in a trade with Seattle in late July and hurt his hamstring in the first game he pitched for in Washington on Aug. 2.
Howie Kendrick came off the injured list Monday after dealing with a right hamstring strain. To make room for Kendrick, Andrew Stevenson was sent back to Double-A Harrisburg.
• Rina Torchinsky can be reached at rtorchinsky@washingtontimes.com.
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