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Baseball Notes: Nats' Scherzer gets call for opener

Max Scherzer will be the opening-day starter for the Washington Nationals instead of Stephen Strasburg, who has made the previous three opening-day starts.

Max Scherzer will be the opening-day starter for the Washington Nationals instead of Stephen Strasburg, who has made the previous three opening-day starts.

Manager Matt Williams made the announcement before Monday's game against the New York Yankees.

Scherzer, who never started on opening day for the Detroit Tigers despite winning the Cy Young Award in 2013, signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with Washington in the offseason.

He was 82-35 with a 3.52 ERA in his five seasons with Detroit.

Williams didn't announce the rest of his rotation. This spring, the Nationals have gone with Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Strasburg, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez.

Rooftop owners miffed

A lawyer for rooftop clubs around Wrigley Field said the Chicago Cubs are illegally trying to drive his clients out of business by constructing a large video board at the stadium.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall heard arguments on whether she should order a halt to construction of the right-field sign that would block several rooftop views.

Lawyer Thomas Lombardo said the Cubs have tried to "bully" his clients into raising ticket prices or selling their clubs. The Cubs currently have a revenue-sharing agreement with the rooftop owners.

Swisher still rehabbing

Indians manager Terry Francona said he doesn't expect slugger Nick Swisher to be ready for the team's April 6 season opener at Houston.

Swisher underwent surgery on both knees in August and has been slower to recover than expected. Swisher began running the bases last week and is expected to play in a minor-league game on Wednesday.