Max Scherzer continues to entrench himself among elite company in the annals of baseball history. Last year the right-hander recorded two no-hitters, a feat previously accomplished by only Nolan Ryan in the last 50 years. On Wednesday, he became the fourth pitcher to notch 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game, joining Kerry Wood, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens (who did it twice).
The latest gem came against his former club, the Tigers, and with his former rotation-mate Jordan Zimmermann opposing him on the mound. Detroit hitters managed six hits and a pair of homers in the losing effort, but were generally hopeless against the Nationals ace.
Leaning heavily on his power fastball, Scherzer peppered the zone all night, incredibly throwing 96 of his 119 pitches for strikes. It was quite a turnaround coming off one his worst outings as a National, in which the Cubs pounded him for seven runs on four homers over five innings. He hasn’t really been able to get into a groove this year but perhaps this majestic outing will get him going.
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* Scherzer’s spectacular performance wasn’t the only big headline for the Washington rotation this week. In a surprising twist, Stephen Strasburg signed an in-season extension with the Nationals, re-upping for seven years and $175 million. He was set to basically name his price in free agency this offseason as the shining gem of the starting pitching crop, but instead he and Scott Boras took the security of a guaranteed long-term deal, a decision that makes sense given his injury history.
Strasburg has opt-outs built in starting after 2019, so he’ll be able to cash in again at age 30 if his ascent continues. It’s fittingly a win-win situation for the 5-0 fireballer.
* Andrelton Simmons was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, suffered while diving for a grounder on Sunday. He’ll require surgery and figures to be sidelined until at least the All Star break. Simmons wasn’t hitting much but he’s a defensive wiz and the Angels flipped quality young talent to the Braves in order to acquire him. This team, still reeling from the loss of top starter Garrett Richards, can’t catch a break right now.
To plug the leak created by this new injury, GM Billy Epler acquired Brendan Ryan from the Nationals in exchange for cash considerations. Much like Simmons, Ryan is a fantasy non-factor, but his defensive skills should help.
* It was a busy week of wheeling and dealing for the Halos. They also picked up righty Jhoulys Chacin from the Braves in exchange for a minor-leaguer. The 28-year-old had pitched to a 5.40 ERA in five starts with Atlanta but had an excellent 27-to-8 K/BB ratio in 26 innings. Chacin notably accumulated a 3.78 ERA over his first six seasons with the Rockies, which equated to an outstanding ERA+ of 120 after park adjustments.
He should be on the radar for deep-league owners.
* Another week, another PED suspension. This one didn’t strike a major-leaguer, but rather Royals top prospect Raul Mondesi, who is in line to eventually become Alcides Escobar‘s successor at shortstop. Mondesi was able to successfully lower his ban from 80 games to 50 by showing that he ingested a banned substance from cough syrup, but he’ll still sit for almost two months. It’s a big blow for his development at age 20.
* It turns out Michael Brantley‘s slow start since coming off the disabled list wasn’t just due to rust. The Indians outfielder has been battling fatigue in his surgically repaired shoulder, and was placed back on the DL this week after sitting out several games.
An MRI taken on Friday showed no new damage, so hopefully a couple weeks of additional rest will get Brantley on track.
* Updating an item from last week: We mentioned that Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was “unlikely to play again this year” due to shoulder surgery. Now you can consider that guaranteed. Cincy manager Bryan Price said the damage was worse than expected and Mesoraco’s recovery timeline was pushed from four months to six. It’s a deflating development for 2014 breakout star, but there’s still no reason to think he can’t come back at full strength next year. Again, he’s only 27.
* After homering just twice in his first 30 games, Lorenzo Cain went deep three times against the Yankees on Tuesday. It’s a nice sign for fantasy owners who were hoping he might build upon last year’s breakout total of 16, but we’re still waiting for the stolen bases. Thus far he’s just 4-for-7 after swiping 28 in each of the last two campaigns.
* We finally have an end date for Jose Reyes’ indefinite suspension stemming from domestic abuse charges: May 31st. He’ll start a minor-league assignment when he’s eligible, but of course the shortstop position in Colorado is now firmly locked up by Trevor Story. Reyes might end up elsewhere via trade, but with his diminishing speed he offers less intrigue if he’s not playing home games at Coors.
* Delino Deshields and his sub-600 OPS were optioned to Triple-A. Ian Desmond should see the majority of action in center for the Rangers.
* Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed to reporters this week that Brad Boxberger will reclaim closer duties for Tampa Bay when he comes off the disabled list, even though Alex Colome has been effective in his stead. Boxberger reported to extended spring training this week and will head to Class-A Charlotte this weekend as he draws closer to a return.
* Kansas City’s rotation has been among the worst in the American League this year, and on Thursday the two biggest culprits for their struggles landed on the disabled list. Chris Young and Kris Medlen, whose ERAs sat at 6.68 and 7.77 respectively, were both shelved with arm problems. Danny Duffy and Dillon Gee will fill in during their DL stints, neither of which are expected to last all that long.
* Andrew Cashner landed on the disabled list with a hamstring strain. He figures to return before the end of the month.
* The Rangers called up former No. 1 overall pick Matt Bush, who has had a long and troubled path to the majors since being picked by the Padres in 2004. He’ll serve in middle relief.
* Texas also signed veteran starter Kyle Lohse to a minor-league deal to bolster their rotation depth. The 37-year-old finished with a 5-13 record and 5.85 ERA in Milwaukee last year so expectations are low, but he may get a look at some point.
