Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer left Friday’s start against the San Francisco Giants after 12 pitches with an apparent lower-body injury.
Facing Brandon Belt, Scherzer appeared to have a hitch after throwing a fastball for a ball. Scherzer stepped off the mound and eventually stretched out his leg in hopes of feeling better. That prompted a mound visit from manager Dave Martinez and the head trainer.
Scherzer threw one warm-up pitch and grimaced. Then he exited the game, according to Dan Kolko of MASN Sports.
At age 36, Scherzer has been the lone consistent starting pitcher for the Nationals this season. Before tonight’s shortened start, Scherzer sported a 2.22 ERA and 0.818 WHIP in 12 starts. He also has 104 strikeouts against 15 walks.
It goes without saying, any significant injury would be a huge loss for a Nationals team struggling to stay afloat. They’re already without 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg, who is on the injured list with a neck ailment.
