Nick Wass/Associated Press

Max Scherzer has been one of the most durable pitchers in baseball since 2009, but the Washington Nationals ace is dealing with a sprained right thumb. He will return against the New York Mets on May 1. 

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Scherzer Will Start vs. Mets

Wednesday, April 29

The Nationals announced Scherzer will start May 1 against the Mets.

Scherzer, 30, is 1-2 this season with a 1.26 ERA and 29 strikeouts over four starts. 

One reason that Scherzer was able to get a $210 million contract from the Nationals in the offseason was because of his consistency. The prized right-hander has made at least 30 starts in six consecutive seasons and has thrown at least 187.2 innings in five straight campaigns. 

It's no secret that durability decreases as you get older, though The Associated Press (h/t SportsNet Canada) broke down the numbers to show how rapid the decline usually is for pitchers who sign $100-plus million contracts:

The $100 million pitchers have combined to average a 12-9 record and 3.39 ERA during the first four seasons of their deals, according to STATS. During the remaining years, they fell to a 7-7 record and 4.43 ERA.

Durability decreases dramatically, with the group averaging 205 innings in first seasons, 178 by the third year, and 132 by the fifth.

Scherzer adds a different dynamic to the rotation, and the Nationals will be thrilled to have him back.