Scherzer set to return to rotation Thursday

PITTSBURGH - Max Scherzer bounded through the visitors' clubhouse at PNC Park shortly after 3:30 p.m. today, a smile on his face and a bounce in his step not often seen over the last month.

And as he walked past reporters he offered up three unsolicited words that revealed more about his current state of body and mind than any lengthy interview could have topped: "See you Thursday."

The Nationals ace is ready to return at last. After an aggravating month spent trying to overcome a pair of upper back injuries that limited him to one start and the first extended injured list stint of his long career, Scherzer is all set to be activated Thursday evening and pitch the finale of a four-game series with the Pirates.

Scherzer cleared the last significant hurdle in his rehab program today when he threw a bullpen session with no issues. This came two days after his 64-pitch, four-inning simulated game at Nationals Park and represented the typical workout he'd participate in two days after starting a real game.

The next two days will feature the standard prep work for a start. And barring any unexpected setbacks between now and then, he'll be on the mound Thursday night for the first time since July 25.

"It was his regular routine," manager Davey Martinez said of today's bullpen session. "He felt good. I talked to him in the weight room. Everything went according to plan. The plan is: He's ready for Thursday."

Scherzer won't have free rein for his first start back. Martinez suggested over the weekend he'd be held to 75-80 pitches, and though he didn't offer up a specific number today he made it clear the Nationals will hold firm to a maximum pitch count.

"He's definitely going to be on a limit," Martinez said. "Knowing him, he's going to try to talk me into doing something different. But we've got to be smart. We'll see how far we get with him."

Depending on how much they intend to push him the rest of the way, the Nationals should get either seven or eight starts out of Scherzer. If he pitches every fifth day, he'd make eight starts but face the Braves only once. If he pitches every fifth game, he'd make seven starts for sure (two of those against the Braves) and then be available to pitch the Sept. 29 regular season finale if necessary or else the first game of the postseason if the Nationals advance.

There's still time to sort that out. For now, the Nats are simply thrilled to have their ace back. And, for the first time in a while, in a great mood.

"He was happy," Martinez said. "Very talkative, which is good. He's been working hard to get back. Hopefully, we're beyond this, and we move forward and he does well and we finish the season with him and head to good places."