DETROIT -- Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer will miss his start Friday because of a lingering problem with his throwing shoulder, leaving Detroit without one of its top pitchers in the middle of a close division race.

Rookie Drew Smyly will start in Scherzer's place at Minnesota. The Tigers entered Thursday's game against Kansas City with a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox atop the AL Central, but Scherzer wasn't sure if he'd be able to pitch again during the regular season.

"I want to be able to, but at the same time, when you have a recurring injury like this, you can't get back onto the mound again before you're 100 percent," Scherzer said.