Max Scherzer said he tweaked his groin when he exited Friday’s start against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning. The Washington Nationals ace threw just 12 pitches before he appeared to have a hitch on a fastball against Brandon Belt.
Surely, the news is best-case scenario. The MRI revealed no muscle strain. Scherzer was seen on the mound stretching out his leg before a mound visit from manager Dave Martinez and the team’s head trainer. After a warm-up pitch, Scherzer walked off the mound and headed into the clubhouse.
The 36-year old three-time Cy Young winner has been the most consistent Nationals starting pitcher. He had a 2.22 ERA with 105 strikeouts against 15 walks in 12 starts prior to Friday night.
