Max Scherzer

Scherzer struggled a bit through the first month of the season, but went on a patented run in May and June that made him look like the Scherzer of old. Unfortunately, a back injury largely derailed his second half, as he was limited to just over 20 innings over July and August. Scherzer is entering his age-36 season and is a max effort pitcher, so the fact that we finally saw a bit of a breakdown (Scherzer has reached at least 200 innings in his six previous seasons) is concerning. But his numbers are still elite and he should be taken as one of the first pitchers off the board despite the back scare.

Max Scherzer throws 65 pitches to live hitters Friday

Max Scherzer threw 65 pitches to live hitters on Friday at Nationals Park.

Fantasy Impact

Most starters probably won't throw that many pitches this early in summer camp, but of course Scherzer did. The World Series champ is fully healthy heading into the 2020 season and should be one of the first three aces selected in fantasy drafts this month.