Max Scherzer Leaves Start Early

Image: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Tigers already had a tough hill to climb, down three games in the division with just 16 games to go. The Tigers opened a 110 game homestand on Tuesday night against Oakland with Max Scherzer on the mound.

Scherzer yielded a run in the first, then worked a scoreless second and all appeared fine, but when the Tigers took the field with a 2-1 lead in the third, Scherzer didn’t answer the bell.

According to the Fox Sports Detroit broadcast of the game, Scherzer is suffering from right shoulder fatigue. The Tigers thought it was concerning enough that they didn’t even wait for the MRI; Scherzer underwent one on Tuesday night.

The test showed some inflammation, but no structural damage. Scherzer told reporters after the game that he was “questionable” for his next start, If he stays on schedule, he would be in line for three more starts this year.

Scherzer is leading the major leagues in strikeouts and has set a career-high with 16 wins this season. The Tigers will need all the starting pitching they can get down the stretch. If Scherzer is out for any length of time at all, that could be the final nail in Detroit’s coffin.