Scherzer takes step forward with 'pen session

NEW YORK -- Right-hander Max Scherzer, on the injured list with a back strain, had a bullpen session on Saturday afternoon and threw 35 pitches without any problems. He was also able to mix in his offspeed pitches.

“[Max] felt good. We are going to see how he feels tomorrow and go from there,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He understands the injury. He is understanding where we are coming from. We are trying to get him healthy, not for one start but for the rest of the season.”

It’s not known how many bullpen sessions Scherzer will have before he returns to the rotation. He first wants to learn how he can stay healthy for a full season. After avoiding health problems in the past, Scherzer said he may need to train differently.

“It’s extremely frustrating, because I take such great pride in making sure I’m durable, going out there and making 33, 34 starts a year,” Scherzer said. “I don’t care how many years I’ve been in the league, it’s the first time that has happened where something was off with my program. I have to take full responsibility for that and examine everything I do, make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

Scherzer has made just two starts since the beginning of July; his last outing came on July 25, against the Rockies.