Detroit Tigers Scratch Max Scherzer From Friday Start

September 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Max Scherzer gave Tigers fans a scare when he left his start on September 18 with shoulder fatigue just two innings into the game. He made his next start and reported feeling “fine” after pitching five innings on September 23. Things were looking good.

Things have changed. A previous MRI showed no structural damage in the shoulder but Scherzer is still dealing with the strain. Scherzer had the following to say about his Tuesday bullpen session as reported by the Detroit Free Press:

"When I threw my (bullpen), I was able to loosen up. My arm was OK when I threw my ‘pen. After the ‘pen, that night, I really started to feel my arm tighten up in the same spot, the deltoid. That was kind of alarming to me."

With Scherzer’s arm still not feeling right on Wednesday, the Tigers have decided to scratch Scherzer from tomorrow’s start. Drew Smyly will take the mound in his place.

It is not yet known if Scherzer will pitch again during the regular season. The rotation was set up such that he would have also made a start on the season’s final day but hopes are obviously the Tigers have a division title wrapped up by then. If that’s the case, the Tigers could rest Scherzer to get him ready for game two of the ALDS.