WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Neither Max Scherzer nor Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker is certain the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner will be ready to pitch when opening day rolls around.
That's because Scherzer is dealing with pain from a broken knuckle on the ring finger of his throwing hand, an injury that arose late season but wasn't diagnosed until December. Baker said he's thinking about contingency plans just in case his ace can't pitch when Washington starts the regular season April 3.
"I've dealt with aches and pains and strains. This is a whole different ballgame," Scherzer said Thursday.