Washington Nationals: The positive side in Max Scherzer not starting Game 5

Max Scherzer was scratched from Game 5 of the World Series against the Houston Astros with neck/back spasms. While this may seem like a negative at first for Washington Nationals fans, there are some positives to Scherzer not starting this game.

Max Scherzer has been a dominant force on the Washington Nationals this season. He pitched to a 2.92 ERA with 172.1 innings pitched and 243 strikeouts this season.

In the post season, Scherzer was hit around in the Wild Card matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, but he has been consistent starting pitcher during his starts in the NLDS, NLCS and World Series. Scherzer has won 3 out of the 5 games he has pitched this postseason, as well as striking out 34 batters and only giving up 6 earned runs in 25 innings.

Scherzer was slated to start the pivotal Game 5 of the World Series in Washington, but was scratched just hours before the first pitch due to neck spasms that were so bad, he could hardly move. Considering the Nationals are now tied with the Astros at 2-2 after losing the last two games at home, this was seen by many as a setback to the Nationals championship dreams. A bit of a momentum crusher if you will.

While this may seem like a blow to the Nationals championship hopes, there is a silver lining to Scherzer not pitching in Game 5.

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Regardless of whether the Washington Nationals win Game 5 or not, the next two games in the series will take place on the road in Houston (if the series goes to a Game 7). A rowdy crowd who has World Series experience and is looking to add to their decorated trophy case.

Having Scherzer sit for another two days (Game 6 is Tuesday and Game 7 is on Wednesday), not only lets their star pitcher get healthy and hopefully over the spasms in his neck and back, but gives him some extra rest that Max has not had this postseason.

Another reason Scherzer starting Game 6 or 7 is because of the magnitude of the situation.

If the Nationals win Game 5, they will have to win the most important game of the season on the road, in front of a sellout crowd who wants them to lose.

If the Nationals lose Game 5, they will need to win the next two games on the road in a do or die situation.

I would prefer to have Scherzer pitch when the stakes are higher, when the team needs a win desperately. The organization would need to put their best cards on the table, and Scherzer is one of their best pitchers. This would be complimented with Stephen Strasburg, who is also having a fantastic regular and postseason.

If Scherzer is still not ready to go on Tuesday, Strasburg could start Game 6 for the team (which he already is currently slated to do). This scenario would still give the Nationals a great chance at winning the game, whether or not the team is looking to extend the series for another day or trying to bring the World Series Championship home to Washington.

Follow up Game 6 with either Scherzer or Strasburg pitching Game 7 if needed (depending on who pitched Game 6).

The point of the article can be summed up in just one sentence: it would be beneficial to have one of your best pitchers on your roster to start when the stakes are higher and in front of a crowd who is hoping you lose. The Nationals need to have their two best starters ready to go in Houston.

Even if Game 6 on Tuesday starts getting out of hand, you can even use Strasburg or Scherzer out of then bullpen like they did in the Wild Card, and having Scherzer more rested and healthier than he is right now, will be more beneficial than having him try to pitch through these injuries.

If the Washington Nationals can pull a win out of Game 5, they will be set for the next two games in Houston with their two best starting pitchers on the mound. Max Scherzer will be more rested, hopefully over the neck and back spasms, and able to dominate like we have seen from him over the past few seasons.