WASHINGTON, DC – Hours before he was scheduled to deliver the first pitch of World Series game 5, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, was scratched from his start. Manager Dave Martinez said spasms in Max’s neck and back will prevent the team’s ace from making his scheduled start.
“He said that he was really hurting,” Martinez said. “Obviously he’s pitched with a broken nose, he’s been hurt before.
“When he comes in and says he’s hurt this bad, he’s hurt and I can tell you now he’s very upset.”
Joe Ross will start game 5 in Scherzer’s place. Ross has 27 appearances this season (nine starts). He’s 4-and-4 with a 5.48 earned run average. He’ll be opposed by Gerrit Cole of the Astros.