Scherzer’s status remains uncertain

Nationals-Cubs series: Max Scherzer did not throw the bullpen session that he was expected to Wednesday to test his bothersome right hamstring, and Washington GM Mike Rizzo said the team hasn’t determined when the two-time Cy Young Award winner will start against the Cubs in the playoffs. Scherzer tweaked his leg during his last regular-season start.

Asked if it’s safe to assume that Stephen Strasburg (15-4, 2.52 ERA, 204 strikeouts) will pitch in Game 1 against the Cubs, Rizzo said that is not set in stone. “We have two aces, and one of them will pitch Game 1,” Rizzo said.

The Cubs made their starting staff known Wednesday: Kyle Hendricks in Game 1, Jon Lester in Game 2, Jose Quintana in Game 3 and Jake Arrieta in Game 4, if necessary. Hendricks also started Chicago’s previous postseason game, helping the Cubs win Game 7 for their first World Series title since 1908.

Braves: Brian Snitker will continue as manager after the team decided to pick up the 2018 option on his contract, a person familiar with the situation told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rangers: Texas released Prince Fielder — more than 15 months after he played his last game and still owing him about $72 million over the next three seasons — after reaching a settlement with the company that insured the contract. Fielder had to quit playing in July 2016 after his second cervical fusion in his neck in just over two years.

Giants: Manager Bruce Bochy will undergo an ablation procedure next week to treat an atrial fibrillation.