Scherzer cites back injury for All-Star Game withdrawal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Max Scherzer won’t pitch in the All-Star Game because of a back injury, although the ace right-hander intends to represent the Washington Nationals on the sideline Monday and Tuesday in Cleveland.

A three-time Cy Young Award winner and seven-time All-Star, Scherzer struck out 11 over seven shutout innings on Saturday against Kansas City. Hours later, Major League Baseball announced he would be replaced on the National League roster by Sonny Gray.

Scherzer said Sunday he first began experiencing back tightness after beating Detroit on June 30. He worked through it against the Royals, but his back stiffened after his appearance.

That’s when it became apparent Scherzer would be better off by not pitching Tuesday night.

He said Sunday: “I need some rest right now to let this thing fully heal up so that I’m completely good to go in the second half.”