Nationals manager Dave Martinez announced that Max Scherzer will not be pitching in game five of the World Series on Sunday. Scherzer was set to start opposite Houston’s Gerrit Cole in a tiebreaker that could set the tone for the remainder of the series. Joe Ross will start in Scherzer’s place.
https://twitter.com/MarlyRiveraESPN/status/1188554599592071168?s=20
The reason for Scherzer being scratched is due to spasms in his right trap and neck, which he first felt yesterday but got “much worse” when he woke up today, according to Martinez.
“He was in a bad place. He feels very bad about it.” Martinez said.
This could be a potential game changer for Houston, as Scherzer has been nothing short of excellent this postseason. In five appearances this October, the three-time Cy Young winner has posted a 3-0 record with a 2.16 ERA, 34 strikeouts, and 1.00 WHIP.
For game 5, Washington now turns to Ross who posted a 5.48 ERA this season. However, he has pitched much better as of late. Since August, he has gone 4-1 with a 2.75 ERA and 20 strikeouts in eight starts. His last start was on Sept. 29 against the Cleveland Indians, where he allowed just one run and struck eight batters out through six innings. Ross also pitched a scoreless inning in game three this series.
The Nationals hope they can get Scherzer back before the series ends, he is likely to start game seven if necessary.
