Nationals Max Scherzer still dealing with back injury

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer returned to the bump Thursday after missing two starts with what was described as a back strain.

The NL Cy Young favorite was average in his return, giving up three runs in five innings against the Colorado Rockies.

Now, one day after his return, Scherzer indicates that he still has said back strain. In fact, an MRI revealed a mild strain of the rhomboid muscle.

Max Scherzer’s back didn’t feel great when he woke up today. An MRI revealed a mild strain of the rhomboid muscle. He received a stem cell shot and won’t pick up a ball the next two days.

He said he’s still holding out hope to make his next start

— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) July 26, 2019

We’re not 100 percent sure what to make of this. But given the area of the injury, it can’t be seen as a good thing for the Nationals. It seems like this injury is lingering.

Scherzer, 34, is of huge importance to the Nationals’ success. He’s pitched to a 9-5 record with a 2.41 ERA and 0.99 WHIP while striking out 189 batters in 134.1 innings this season.

Washington heads into this weekend’s action with a 55-47 record and as the top wild card team in the NL.