Max Scherzer injury: Tigers pitcher to miss next start because of deltoid strain

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (16-7, 3.82 ERA) will miss his next start due to a strained deltoid; Drew Smyly will start in his place on Sept. 28 at Minnesota. Scherzer has only had one start since a recent stretch on the DL with shoulder inflammation. In that start on Sept. 23, Scherzer threw 86 pitches, giving up three runs in five-plus innings in a 10-4 loss to the Twins.

The Tigers pitcher felt good after the game, but suffered a setback on Tuesday after a bullpen session. Scherzer's deltoid tightened up after throwing in the bullpen, and he was still tight on Wednesday morning. He said the good news is that there are no major structural problems, just the strained muscle. Scherzer will travel with the team to Minnesota despite missing his next start. Scherzer was unsure if he'll be able to pitch again before the end of the regular season.