Nationals' Max Scherzer: Throws 73 pitches in spring debut

Scherzer (finger) allowed one run and struck out four batters on 73 pitches over 4.2 innings in his 2017 Grapefruit League debut Wednesday against the Cardinals, MLB.com's Jamal Collier reports.

Analysis:

Scherzer gave up five hits and one walk in a solid (but far from dominant) performance. He's scheduled to make two more exhibition appearances, with his first regular-season start thus lining up for the Nationals' third game -- Apr. 6 against the Marlins. Stephen Strasburg and Tanner Roark, respectively, are lined up to pitch the first two contests. Scherzer may be on a pitch count early in the year, but it shouldn't be overly strict.