Washington Nationals: Max Scherzer leaves start with apparent injury

The Washington Nationals have disappointed this season. With a 25-33 record heading into Friday, and in the basement of the NL East, they had some work to do in order to get back into contention. The hope was that journey would begin with their game against the Giants as Max Scherzer was taking the mound for the start.

That outing did not go as planned. Scherzer left his outing after 12 pitches, appearing to have injured himself on a 2-2 offering to Brandon Belt.

Washington Nationals cannot afford to lose Max Scherzer

After throwing that 12th pitch, Scherzer took a small hop towards the plate, then began trying to stretch out his legs and lower back before the trainers came to the mound. He threw one practice pitch, then immediately left the mound, with Paolo Espino taking over.

While the Nationals’ rotation has essentially been an unmitigated disaster this season, Scherzer has continued to be the same dominant force he had been. Entering Friday’s action, he had posted a 2.22 ERA and a 0.818 WHiP over his 77 innings, striking out 104 batters with 15 walks.

Even if the Nationals do not rebound this season, Scherzer was going to be an important part of their plans. He is in the final year of a seven year contract that he had signed prior to the 2015 season, making him one of the top arms that could be on the trade block.

If Scherzer is out for an extended period of time, their hopes, either for a return to the postseason or to get a haul for Scherzer on the trade market, could be dashed. Instead, the Nationals would see their top two pitchers on the Injured List, and a rotation fronted by a suddenly ineffective Patrick Corbin. This is not what anyone had envisioned heading into the season.

The Washington Nationals are a flawed team, but Max Scherzer gave them a chance. If they are going to contend in 2021, they cannot afford to lose him.