Scherzer hits DL with neck inflammation

The Washington Nationals have placed right-hander Max Scherzer on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 15, with left neck inflammation, according to the Washington Post's Jorge Castillo. The team has not announced a corresponding move.

Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday night against the San Diego Padres earlier in the day. He was replaced in the lineup by reliever Matt Grace.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner left his start on Aug. 1 against the Miami Marlins with a similar injury, only on the other side of his neck.

The 33-year-old right-hander will miss at least one start beyond Friday. He will be eligible to return to the team when the Nationals return home to host a four-game series against the New York Mets from Aug. 25-27 - the series ends on a double-header.

Outside of the neck issue that has sprung up in August, Scherzer has been his predictably reliable self. He has posted a 12-5 record with a 2.25 ERA over 24 games. His 12.35 K/9 is the best of his career and ranks third among qualified starters behind only Chris Sale and Corey Kluber.

The Nationals will welcome right-hander Stephen Strasburg back to the rotation for Saturday's game in San Diego, but the team will have to wait a while before they're back at full strength.