- Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said earlier this week Max Scherzer would pitch every day if he could.

Right now the team will be happy for just one day — Thursday at 4:05 p.m. at home against the Colorado Rockies.

The Nationals’ ace is slated to start against Colorado after recovering from inflammation under his right shoulder.

“He feels back to normal. He is ready to go,” Martinez said Wednesday.

Scherzer (9-5, 2.30) has dealt with back programs and then inflammation under his shoulder in recent weeks and is currently on the injured list.

The 34-year-old right-hander has not pitched since July 6, when he went seven shutout innings at home against Kansas City before deciding not to throw in the All-Star Game.

Washington was 53-46 going into Wednesday’s doubleheader with the Rockies and was 5 1/2 games back of first-place Atlanta.

By pitching Thursday, Scherzer will miss this weekend’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Martinez said Tuesday the timing of Scherzer’s return allows him to pitch in each series against NL East rivals Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Martinez added the three-time Cy Young Award winner also would be on track for a potential start in the NL wild card game.

“Let’s assume that is he is,” Martinez said Tuesday, quickly adding: “I’m hoping that we’re not the wild card team.”

Includes wire reports.

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