Last week, Max Scherzer was arguably the biggest All-Star Game snub in recent MLB history. A week later, the Washington Nationals ace is now starting for the National League in Tuesday’s Mid-Summer Classic in Denver’s Coors Field.
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will start opposite of Scherzer on the mound for the American League. Ohtani made history by being selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and designated hitter. He will also bat leadoff as the DH for the AL.
As for Scherzer, it’s somewhat of a surprising turn of events for the three-time Cy Young winner. But it’s also understanding. This will be his fourth All-Star Game start.
Scherzer has already established himself a Hall of Fame resume. Yet at the age of 36, he is on pace for arguably the best season of his storied career.
Prior to a rocky start last week to end the first half of the season, Scherzer was sporting a career-best ERA. Despite giving up seven runs against the Padres on July 8, Scherzer has a 2.66 ERA in 17 starts this season. He also has a career-high 0.878 WHIP, striking out 12.3 batters per nine innings.
Of course, Jacob deGrom (New York Mets) opting to skip the All-Star Game opened the door for Scherzer to start. But, with all due respect to the remaining NL All-Star pitchers, Scherzer is seemingly the most obvious next choice to step on the mound first for the National League.
