Max Scherzer will not pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star Game as the Nationals ace is dealing with back tightness. Scherzer said he still plans to attend the event, but MLB announced Cincinnati Reds starter Sonny Gray would be his replacement.
Scherzer said he first started dealing with the issue during his start last Sunday in Detroit. While the 34-year-old felt comfortable enough to pitch seven innings in Saturday’s 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals, Scherzer’s back was sore during and after the game.
After the win, Scherzer and the Nationals then decided it would be smarter for him to rest than pitch on only two days rest.
Scherzer said he is confident the issue won’t plague him after the All-Star break.
“It was just something where I can tell,” Scherzer said. “I know my body pretty well. I just know I’m not going to be at my best if I pitch on two days rest and I would really jeopardize our season if I were to do something like that.
“For me, right now, I know my body needs rest. That’s all I need.”
After a slow start to the year, Scherzer has again asserted his dominance over the rest of his league. Since May 22, the three-time Cy Young winner has 94 strikeouts and an 0.84 ERA in 64 innings. Last week, he was named the National League pitcher of the month for June. On Saturday, he threw 103 pitches and struck out 11 — two days after the birth of his second daughter.
Manager Dave Martinez said he wasn’t concerned about Scherzer’s injury.
“The All-Star (break) couldn’t come at a better time for him,” Martinez said. “He’ll get eight days now to recoup and get ready for his next start.”
With Scherzer’s decision to not pitch Tuesday, the Nationals will not have a player actually play in this year’s All-Star Game. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career last week, also withdrew from the event, citing an undisclosed injury.
Unlike Rendon, Scherzer will still head to Cleveland to participate in the off-field activities. Scherzer said plans to take his first daughter, Brooklyn, to the events with him.
“This is going to be fun,” Scherzer said. “I get to take Brooke and I get to represent the Washington Nationals. It’s really a cool honor. It’s a really cool 48 hours. For me, I still really wanted to go and partake in everything that’s there, especially be there for the home run derby and the game.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.