Washington Nationals: Scherzer scare exposes lack of depth

The Washington Nationals can survive another pitching injury, but the process is complex. Here is how the waiver process works.

With the good news Max Scherzer suffered only from neck cramps, the Washington Nationals, and you, can breathe a little easier.

As Joe Ross is gone for at least a year and Stephen Strasburg recovering from a pinched nerve in his pitching forearm, depth is a major issue going forward. Finding the right bats and defenders to fill spots of injured hitters is one thing, getting another quality arm is another.

In August, there is a possible solution. Waiver trades.

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Syracuse has given everything they have as far as ready pitching prospects. Matt Grace has pitched well. AJ Cole is back for another start. Edwin Jackson turned out fine. The prospects are not there to promote.

Both teams feel the loss of Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López.

If another arm goes down, the Nats will need to get help outside the organization. Although there was a trade deadline last Monday, teams can still make deals. The process, however, gets complicated.

Most players will be submitted into the waiver process.

Another team will make a claim and that player likely will be yanked. Yes, chances are even a Bryce Harper or Anthony Rendon would find the waiver wire.

Washington has no intention of letting either player go. But, sometimes it is vital for teams not to tip their true hands for trading.

Once a player clears, they can be traded. Even if someone is claimed, a deal can be reached with that team. If the National League East was a race, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets would actively claim players they thought Washington wanted. Not to make a deal, but to prevent one.

August carries veto power.

Sometimes teams allow a claim to go through. The new team pays a fee and becomes fully responsible for the rest of the contract.

In most cases, the waiver is revoked and nothing happens.

Although Washington would not put a claim on Justin Verlander—and you know the Detroit Tigers would love to dump his deal—the Nats will talk after he clears. No team can stop a trade after the waiver process finishes.

Matt Thornton is the perfect example of a waivers move. The New York Yankees placed him and dropped the contract in 2014 when the Nats made a successful claim.

There will be decent names that will be on the market as August moves along. Mike Rizzo and the front office will continue to test where Washington stands and how they can advance in the playoffs. Do not be surprised if they make a move this month for another starter.

Next: Cole draws emergency start

Pitching is a requirement. Something you never have enough of.