“Before we get started,” Davey Martinez told reporters at the start of his pregame presser before Game 5 of the World Series last night, “I want everybody to know that Max will not start today.
“He had -- yesterday he had a little bit of spasms in his right trap and neck. They treated it. He woke up today a lot worse. So Joe Ross will start today.”
The announcement stunned the baseball world. A little over an hour and a half later, the Nationals’ 35-year-old starter met with reporters to explain the circumstances which led, ultimately, to the decision that he wouldn’t be able to take the mound.