Nationals’ Max Scherzer Leaves Game With Hamstring Cramp

Max Scherzer exited the fourth inning of Saturday’s game with a hamstring cramp.

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer left the fourth inning of Saturday’s game with an apparent injury that manager Dusty Baker later called a hamstring cramp.

Scherzer left the game after throwing a pitch and appearing to come up awkwardly. He met with Baker and team staff before exiting.

The move turned out to beprecautionary with this being Scherzer’s final start before the playoffs, but he has had several nagging issues over the course of the season. He went for an MRI after the game, but Baker said his status would not affect how the team’s playoff rotation is aligned.

The 33-year-old entered the night with a 2.51 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 268 strikeouts in 200 2/3 innings pitched. Scherzer is a two-time Cy Young award winner, including his win last season.

The Nationals will meet the Chicago Cubs next week in the NLDS, and also have Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez as part of a stellar rotation.