Scherzer (back) won't pitch in All-Star Game

Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer won't pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game due to a stiff back, MASN Sports reported Sunday. "Our season matters so much more than pitching in the All-Star Game," said Scherzer, who won his seventh consecutive start Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.

The 34-year-old right-hander is 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA and a league-leading 181 strikeouts in 129 1/3 innings this season. Scherzer told MASN Sports he will attend the All-Star Game in Cleveland and that he plans to make his scheduled start next Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner earned his seventh straight All-Star selection this season.