It was surprising news yesterday, but the Washington Nationals announced that the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Max Scherzer, will not be pitching for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He reportedly is trying to recover from a stress fracture in the knuckle of his right ring finger:
Nats announce Max Scherzer will NOT pitch in the World Baseball Classic, citing the “rehab of a stress fracture” in his right ring finger.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) January 9, 2017
As someone who enjoys watching the World Baseball Classic, this is a big blow for Team USA’s pitching staff as they prepare for group play as they are as in the same group with the Dominican Republic.