Max Scherzer will start Nationals' spring opener vs. Mets

VIERA, Fla. (AP) Max Scherzer will start the Washington Nationals' spring training opener on Thursday night against the New York Mets.

Nationals manager Matt Williams made the announcement Tuesday, and added Scherzer will be followed by Tanner Roark. Williams did not name a starter for Friday's road game against Atlanta.

Scherzer, who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with Washington, is expected to throw two innings, or 45 pitches.

The Nationals have one of the top rotations in baseball with Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez The question is, how will Washington line them up.

Williams says Scherzer's ''ready. They're all ready. But there is nothing to read into it, other than he's going to get the ball Thursday and five days later, he'll get it again.''