The race for Max Scherzer (2/$68) is the focus across the Roger Dorn Baseball League as multiple clubs are reportedly in deep talks with the Mt. Diablo Devils to potentially acquire the star right-hander. Sources close to the club indicated the race for Scherzer was focused on two teams, but a mystery club came into the fold on Wednesday night.
The Devils remain uncommitted to moving Scherzer who is under team control through 2022 and reportedly are focused on assets that can help the club next season as they build depth around young stars Bo Bichette and Wander Franco alongside the emergence of Luis Garcia and expected activation James Kaprelian in the rotation.
Scherzer (triceps) said he felt fine after throwing a 40-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, which leaves him physically ready to pitch Thursday against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.
Scherzer has checked all the boxes from a physical standpoint in order to return to the mound, but it's become increasingly unlikely that he'll take the ball Thursday, given that he's attracting interest from multiple clubs as Friday's trade deadline approaches. The Nationals will likely clarify their pitching plans in the next day or two, but in any scenario, Scherzer should line up for a start by the end of the week, whether it's with Washington or a new club.
Scherzer has been excellent thus far in his age-36 campaign, cruising to a 2.83 ERA and 35.1 percent strikeout rate.
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