Scherzer frustrated injured finger hasn't healed yet

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer is growing tired of a nagging injury to the ring finger on his pitching hand that won't allow him to properly throw a ball this spring.

"I'm more frustrated that it isn't going away," Scherzer told Pete Kerzel of MASN Sports on Monday. "I just want this thing to heal."

Scherzer began suffering pain in his finger in late August, but it was originally diagnosed as a sprain and he was able to pitch through it. He said the pain did not go away, and in December, he decided to undergo an MRI, which revealed a stress fracture.

The reigning National League Cy Young winner was forced to withdraw from his commitment to Team USA at the World Baseball Classic due to the injury, though the Nationals were confident that Scherzer would be ready for the start of spring training.

Scherzer was able to take part in fielding practice Monday, but has been limited to long toss on flat ground, and he can only throw the ball with three fingers. There's currently no timetable for when he'll be able to pitch without limitations.

"I'm just trying to get my arm progressing in a throwing program," Scherzer said. "Trying to shortcut this as much as possible. I still experience symptoms in the ring finger. Just find a way to heal this as fast as possible."