Scherzer not ready for Friday return; notes on Madson and Jackson

HOUSTON - Right-hander Max Scherzer will not make his next start Friday, according to Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux. Scherzer's neck is still sore and not responding as well as he had hoped.

On Tuesday, there was some optimism that Scherzer would be able to come of the disabled list for Friday's series opener against the Mets. But Scherzer told reporters it would be "days, not weeks" that he would be pushed back because of the neck problem.

Manager Dusty Baker and Maddux hope that Scherzer can throw a bullpen session in the next few days. But it is all dependent on how his neck feels each day he wakes up.

"Either today or tomorrow," Baker said. "Depends on how his neck feels. I haven't heard yet. He's kind of on a day-to-day."

"Not ready to go, I can say that," Maddux said. "We are taking it a day at a time. You got to throw a bullpen first. Until he throws a bullpen, you can't put him on schedule. Maybe a Friday 'pen, maybe Saturday, taking it day by day."

Meanwhile, Baker confirmed right-hander Ryan Madson has left the club to have his sprained right index finger looked at by a hand and finger specialist in Arizona. Madson has not been with the team here in Houston.

Baker said tonight's starter, Edwin Jackson, has done well in his return to the Nats because he has stayed with the game plan and has been pitch efficient.

"I think getting ahead in the count, his breaking ball is more consistent, concentration is better," Baker said. "Probably has increased his perseverance, desire, because he doesn't like going down to the bushes. He knows that he has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues."

Baker said Jackson has benefited positively by being around and working with this starting rotation and the coaching staff.

"Mike (Maddux) helped him a lot," Baker said. "I think being around guys like Maxie and watching them pitch, watch (Stephen) Strasburg pitch, also watching Gio (Gonzalez) use his breaking ball. You can learn from the coaches but you can learn probably just as much or more from watching successful teammates and see what makes them successful.

"I remember when I was a young player, coach could tell me something and it would register, but not like it would register if I saw a teammate tell me something and then execute it. We are great at emulating people, especially players. Players are great at emulating batting stances, learn how you throw this pitch and when to throw it. Some of it registers but if you can tell me and show me its easier to learn I think."