The Nationals began their biggest series of the season on Monday without their best weapon — Max Scherzer.
The ace right-hander went on the 10-day injured list with a mild rhomboid strain.
The injured list stint is retroactive to Friday, which means the earliest Scherzer could pitch for the Nationals would be Monday, Aug. 5, against the Giants in San Francisco.
It is the 35-year-old’s second time on the list this month.
“(Scherzer) is not a happy camper,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “He wants to be out there competing.”
The move came as the Nationals (56-49) began a three-game series at home on Monday against the first-place Atlanta Braves (62-44), who are also dealing with their own injury issues.
Scherzer (9-5, 2.41 ERA) began complaining of back problems after his start June 30 at Detroit, where he struck out 14 batters and gave up just one earned run in eight innings. Scherzer allowed just four hits and no runs in seven innings in his next start, which came at home July 6 against Kansas City. But he went on the injured list July 13 (retroactive to July 10) with a back strain before returning Thursday to give up three runs in five innings against the Colorado Rockies.
Aug. 5 is not set as a target for return for the All-Star, who has not thrown a bullpen session since his Thursday start.
“We just want him to be 100%,” Martinez said. “We want him to build up strength first. Hopefully, he will be back as soon as possible.”
The Nationals called up right-hander Erick Fedde (1-1, 3.40) to take Scherzer’s roster spot. Fedde has pitched in 13 games with eight starts this season for Washington and is set to face Atlanta Tuesday.
The Braves put starting shortstop Dansby Swanson (right foot contusion) and right fielder Nick Markakis (fractured wrist) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday.
Scherzer was in the clubhouse before Monday’s game but did not address reporters.
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