4 years agoWashington Nationals right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer entered Sunday leading the National League with 55 strikeouts through his first seven starts. Despite that, his fastball -- which is averaging 94.7 MPH and being thrown 47.2% of time -- has been battered to the tune of a .317 BA and .550 SLG, far and away numbers that would set career worsts. (Comparatively speaking, the same pitch delivered .198 and .320 outputs in 2018, respectively.) Arguably the preeminent strikeout pitcher of his generation, Scherzer has bumped his K/9 up to 13.3, which both leads the NL and would set a career best. His next projected start comes Wednesday against the Phillies, whom he has struck out 59 batters against in 36 ⅓ frames over the past two years.--Jesse Borek
Source: MLB