July 27, 2021 7:30 PM : Scherzer (triceps) said he felt fine after throwing a 40-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, which leaves him physically ready to pitch Thursday against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.
Analysis: Scherzer has checked all the boxes from a physical standpoint in order to return to the mound, but it's become increasingly unlikely that he'll take the ball Thursday, given that he's attracting interest from multiple clubs as Friday's trade deadline approaches. The Nationals will likely clarify their pitching plans in the next day or two, but in any scenario, Scherzer should line up for a start by the end of the week, whether it's with Washington or a new club. Paolo Espino is staying prepared to make a spot start in the event that Scherzer is traded or scratched ahead of Thursday's game.