Max Scherzer injury news could reset MLB Trade Deadline

Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer had to leave the game against the Giants with an apparent injury which will have huge trade deadline implications.

Max Scherzer threw 12 pitches against the San Francisco Giants. Then he blew up the MLB Trade Deadline.

The Nationals ace who has been the subject of major trade speculation had to leave Friday’s game with an apparent injury.

It didn’t look good when he came off the mount wincing after throwing a warm-up pitch meant to test things out.

Paolo Espino was called into action in Scherzer’s place. He got Washington out of the inning without issue.

Nationals broadcaster Dan Kolko observed it didn’t look like an arm or shoulder problem, at least.

Whatever it is, it’ll be a major concern for Washington and the league.

An injury to Max Scherzer could blow up MLB Trade Deadline intrigue

Scherzer is one of the hottest names on the speculative trade block, with teams like the Cardinals sniffing around the three-time Cy Young winner.

Unless the injury is minor, this could wreck plans for the Nationals and teams interested in adding a stellar starting pitcher to their arsenal. Speculation has been rampant that Washington might be convinced to trade Scherzer, who is in the final year of his contract, in order to gather up assets for a rebuild. They obviously can’t hope to pull that off if Scherzer isn’t well.

Before Friday, the 36-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. He has a 2.22 ERA this season as one of the top-performing pitchers in the National League. He has the sixth-best ERA and ranks third in WHIP in the majors.

Undoubtedly, he could help just about any team out there in the second half of the season and playoffs.

Washington had no immediate update on Scherzer’s status.