Nationals push Scherzer back a day, won't start vs Mets

NEW YORK (AP) Max Scherzer's next start has been pushed back a day by the Washington Nationals to give the ace right-hander extra rest.

Scherzer initially was lined up to pitch Sunday night at Citi Field in the finale of a three-game series against the New York Mets. Instead, the NL East leaders plan to recall rookie right-hander Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse to make that start - weather permitting. Scherzer is scheduled to go Monday at home against last-place Atlanta.

Washington had opened a 10 1/2-game cushion over the second-place Mets going into Saturday night.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker says the team just wanted to give Scherzer an additional day off at this time of year. Washington was off Thursday after playing 20 consecutive days.