![Max Scherzer focuses on positives in possible Washington Nationals finale](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2021%2F0729%2Fr887688_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg)
Max Scherzer isn't sure if he'll be traded before Friday at 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. However, rumors swirling that Scherzer will be traded before Friday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. It certainly felt like Thursday that he pitched his last game for the Washington Nationals, which he led to the World Series title in 2019.He gave up one run in six innings, and he won the win -- his 92nd regular season victory for the Nationals -- when Yan Gomes, his long-time catcher, hit a tworun homer in top of the seventh to give the Nationals a three-run victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.The Nationals were in serious trouble in July and they sold Brad Hand to the Toronto Blue Jays. Scherzer could be the next to be drafted by the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.Scherzer stated after the match that he didn't want to see this as a bad thing. I'd prefer to see this as a positive. We won the World Series with a seven-year contract. This was the first thing that I stated when I signed my contract, that I was here for the win. We won. We won the World Series. It's something I have longed for all my life.Scherzer was hurt in his last start due to triceps discomfort. The Nationals had one final chance to show that he was still healthy. He allowed only three hits, struck out five, and threw 88 pitches. He recorded his sixth out in the bottom of the sixth. His teammates and coaches welcomed him to the dugout with handshakes, hugs and kisses.Scherzer said that the triceps felt stronger.He said, "Just working through it and getting back into the groove of things." "I never like missing starts. To get back here, I need to put six innings in and get back into my routines. That's when it feels great.Max Scherzer won the game on Thursday, bringing his record to 92-47 and a 2.80 ERA (over 188 starts) for the Nationals. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsScherzer finishes the game 92-47, with a 2.80 ERA over 188 games. This includes Cy Young Awards in 2016/2017 and second- and third-place finishes for 2018 and 2019. After being scratched in his Game 5 start, he was 3-0 with a 2.40 ERA. He also won Game 7 of the World Series.Scherzer, 37 years old, signed his initial contract with the Nationals prior to the 2015 season."This is where I started my family. I arrived here with no children, and now I have three. He said that he has seen his daughters grow up in Virginia. "I've really adjusted to all the politics in Virginia, living in the DMV. It's been a lot of fun to be in Washington, and drive by the monuments every single day. The fans... We'll always remember that championship and will continue to have it.The Nationals have had a crazy 24 hours with the Scherzer trade rumors and the COVID-19 epidemic that affected eight players, four staff members, and the Hand trade. Scherzer may be making his final start for the team. When Scherzer was asked how it felt to know that his Nationals career was over, he said that it was hard to see the future but that he was open to accepting a trade, if that happens.He said, "Today was a wild start with all of the hoopla, and everything going about, but put your head back, put your blinders on and go out and compete, it's for each other." I loved watching Yan and Gerardo [Parra] get hit, and it was a great experience. It's all about the relationships you build and the way you approach the game. Even when you are at your worst, even when you have COVID and trades, all that stuff is going down, you still want to do your best. This is something I hope everyone understands.