Scherzer returning to Nationals' rotation Friday vs. Mets

ATLANTA (AP) Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer has recovered from a sprained right thumb and will make his next start on Friday against the New York Mets.

Scherzer, who signed a seven-year, $210 million contract as a free agent in January, missed his scheduled start Tuesday against Atlanta after injuring his thumb while batting last week.

But Washington manager Matt Williams said that Scherzer felt no lingering problems after his bullpen session the previous day.

''He threw again today, just some flat-ground catch, and he feels good,'' Williams said. ''He's ready to go.''

With Stephen Strasburg starting the series opener at New York on Thursday, Gio Gonzalez will pitch Saturday and Doug Fister will pitch on Sunday against the Mets.

Scherzer is 1-2 with a 1.26 ERA in four starts.