Nationals place Scherzer on IL with back strain

The Washington Nationals placed right-hander Max Scherzer on the 10-day injured list with a mid-back strain, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN.

Scherzer could be eligible to return on July 20 against the Atlanta Braves since the move is retroactive to July 10, Zuckerman adds.

The Nationals ace wasn't able to pitch at the All-Star Game in Cleveland as a result of the injury. Scherzer, 34, is having arguably the best season of his prolific career, averaging a career-high 12.6 K/9 rate with a 2.00 FIP in 129 1/3 innings.

Washington called up catcher Spencer Kieboom from Double-A Harrisburg to replace the three-time Cy Young winner on the 25-man roster.

The Nationals (48-42) are enjoying a resurgence, going 17-5 since mid-June to climb within six games of the Atlanta Braves for first in the National League East. Scherzer has gone 5-0 during that stretch, allowing only four earned runs in 37 innings.