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Scherzer to make first start for Diamondbacks

May 5, 2008 - 1:57 PM Philadelphia (18-14) at Arizona (21-10) 9:40 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) - The Arizona Diamondbacks have introduced a number of talented players to the major league in the last few years. On Monday, the team will introduce righthander Max Scherzer to the starting rotation.

The promising rookie will get the start for the Diamondbacks Monday when they host the Philadelphia Phillies in a battle of first-place teams.

Scherzer (0-0, 0.00) made his major league debut last Tuesday in relief, tossing 4 1/3 perfect innings against the Houston Astros, striking out seven and not issuing a walk. The strong showing convinced the Diamondbacks' brass to give Scherzer a spot in the starting rotation.

Arizona's first round pick in the 2006 draft (No. 11 overall), Scherzer did not sign until minutes before the May 2007 deadline, but has shot through the minor league system, posting a 1.17 ERA with 38 strikeouts and three walks in 23 innings at Class AAA Tucson this season.

He is joining a rotation that is already one of the best in the league, featuring Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Randy Johnson and Micah Owings.

While Scherzer has a fastball that reaches the upper 90's on the radar gun, the Philadelphia Phillies will counter with a lefthander that barely tops out at 80 - veteran Jamie Moyer (1-2, 4.50).

The 45-year-old changeup specialist has not won since April 8 - a span of four starts. He suffered a loss on Wednesday, allowing four runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Padres.

The Phillies took two out of three from the Giants over the weekend and have won 10 of their last 14 to leap into first place in the NL Central.