Nationals manager Dave Martinez told reporters in Philadelphia on Friday that ace starter Max Scherzer would miss his next start Sunday due to back pain.
Scherzer complained of back problems after his start at home July 6 against the Kansas City Royals, and he did not pitch in the All-Star Game Wednesday.
Martinez told reporters Scherzer had an MRI on his back that came back negative.
Scherzer told Carol Maloney of MASN that back tightness would push back his start by “days.”
Right-hander Anibal Sanchez is now slated to start Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Stephen Strasburg started on Friday and lefty Patrick Corbin is on tap for Saturday night.
Scherzer (9-5, 2.30 ERA) was the pitcher of the month in the National League in June. He threw from 75 feet Friday in Philadelphia and felt fine, according to reports.
After the Philadelphia series, the Nationals are off Monday and begin a two-game series Tuesday at Baltimore.
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