Max Scherzer has been named the Washington Nationals Opening Day starter for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Scherzer taking the mound Opening Day has become a Nationals’ tradition. Manager Davey Martinez confirmed the news Sunday.
Scherzer, 36, made his fourth start of Spring Training on Sunday against the New York Mets. He allowed four runs off six hits, including two home runs, in five innings. The laboring outing comes after two strong showings against the St. Louis Cardinals in which he didn’t allow a run in a combined seven innings of work.
Through four starts, Scherzer has a 3.95 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. Opposing batters are hitting a mere .180 against him.
Entering the last year of his seven-year, $210 million contract, Scherzer is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season. His 3.74 ERA and 1.381 WHIP were both his worst since joining the Nationals in 2015.
Thus, the three-time Cy Young winner is primed to lead the Nationals into the 2021 season. He’ll be on the mound facing the Mets on April 1 at Nationals Park. He is scheduled to make one final Spring Training start Saturday in a “B” game against the Houston Astros.
