Max Scherzer exits Game 3 of World Series early with back stiffness

(AP photo/Brynn Anderson)

PHOENIX — Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer left Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night after only three innings because of back tightness.

The Rangers were leading 3-0, with Arizona managing two hits and two walks against him, when he exited while warming up for the fourth. Jon Gray replaced him and tossed a 1-2-3 inning.

Some were quick to speculate that Scherzer’s back stiffened after he was hit in the back by a hard grounder by Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas in the second inning, but the ball struck Scherzer’s elbow. The ball bounded to third baseman Josh Jung, who threw to first for the inning-ending out.

Adolis Garcia threw out Christian Walker at home earlier in the inning to keep Arizona off the board.

Scherzer’s turn in the rotation would come up again if the Fall Classic reaches Game 7. He was making his third start since coming off the injured list for the American League Championship Series after missing more than a month with a strained teres major in his right shoulder.

Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com