Washington Nationals: 5 story lines for Marlins tilt
By Ron Juckett
THE RETURN OF MAD MAX
The sight of Max Scherzer pulling himself out of Tuesday’s start in Miami scared the daylights out of the District and Northern Virginia along with a tiny portion of Staten Island.
Until he takes the hill, the success of Scherzer’s visit to a chiropractor to fix his neck remains a mystery. Forget the division race, as that is settled, any chance of October glory rests on him being healthy.
As intense of a competitor as they make, Scherzer’s ability to adjust on the fly is outstanding. So is his ability to read his body. The nights when he read Mike Maddux and Dusty Baker the riot act on a mound visit are tempered with knowing when to shut it down.
Other pitchers would work through those neck spasms, only to make them worse and further jeopardize their health. Not Scherzer. He knows his limits.
The injury was not about mechanics but comfort. If Scherzer goes out Monday and stalks the mound, he is in good shape. In the middle of a career-defining season, the Nats need him comfortable. Monday is a big test.
With a starting rotation off-kilter, seven strong innings from Scherzer will make things better. While we wait for Stephen Strasburg to return, having Scherzer return will settle a few nerves.