MLB Home Run Derby: 5 Pitchers struggling vs long ball in ’16

5. Max Scherzer – WAS, 21

Outings with multiple home runs allowed: Five

Though he’s one of two aces the Washington Nationals are fortunate to have on staff, Max Scherzer‘s 21 home runs against are almost double that of teammate Stephen Strasburg‘s 11. Yet in more innings pitched, Scherzer has held hitters to a .192 BAA compared to a .201 for hitters facing Strasburg.

Scherzer’s 3.03 ERA , 11.6 K/9 and K:BB ratio of 4.82 are all easy to stomach and 13 of his 21 shots allowed have been of the solo variety, so manager Dusty Baker can rest assured knowing that while his ace has a propensity to give up jacks this year, it’s not likely a sign foreshadowing somber times are ahead.

Scherzer is 5-6 in contests where he gives up a home run and a perfect 5-0 when hitters fail to go yard against him. The 31-year-old will appear in his fourth consecutive All-Star Game this week as a replacement for Strasburg, who recently came off the disabled list a week ago. The Nats want to keep him out of potential action in San Diego as a precaution.

Ranking in the top five of the league for home runs surrendered, Scherzer’s HR/9 of 1.48 ranks 17th across MLB.

Next: Number 4