Max Scherzer, Mets’ ace, is suffering from a hamstring injury and isn’t certain when he’ll pitch next. This is another disappointing setback for New York’s revered, but now fragile, rotation.
Scherzer was unable to play Saturday’s simulated game after being told by the Mets that Jacob deGrom, their star pitcher, will be out for a while due to a shoulder injury.
Five days before opening day in Washington, Scherzer stated that he was not sure what the immediate plans were. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Scherzer said that he does not expect his right hamstring problem to become a long-term issue.
Scherzer replied, “Don’t ask,” when Scherzer was asked when he would pitch again. “I have had these little hamstring injuries in the past. They disappear in a matter of days. Fortunately, I have not suffered any serious hamstring injuries. “I’ve only had a few minor hiccups.”
“I believe this is the same thing. It’s a daily thing for me… but you never know what happens when you deal with hammies.”
Buck Showalter, Mets manager, said that he would look to the 37-year old right-hander for guidance going forward. However, he also stated that Scherzer was still being considered for the opening-day nod against his Nationals counterparts.
Showalter stated, “If you look at days and off, and what has happened, yeah, but that’s not my commitment to that.”
Scherzer was signed by the Mets as a free agent for a $130million, three-year contract. They seemed to have a dominant front in the rotation. However, the news that deGrom would not throw for at least four weeks was a major setback to those hopes.
DeGrom’s expected return date is unknown. DeGrom will not be throwing and may need to wait at least one month to prepare to pitch in the majors. This is a possibility after he was injured in his elbow.
All-Star Chris Bassitt was acquired in a trade from Oakland last month and is scheduled to pitch Sunday’s Grapefruit League contest. Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco are also lined up to complete the back end of the rotation.
Showalter stated, “Just because it doesn’t happen in the first game of the season does not mean that I won’t put the whole thing into disarray for one or two spots.”
“We have the option to take different paths if we wish. He said that he had told all three of them to keep going down the same path they were on now.
To keep the rotation on track, two other pitchers may be available.
Both Tylor Megill, right-hander, and David Peterson (southpaw) were extended to five innings this spring.
Showalter said, “They’ve presented their physical options for sure.”
Thursday was the cause of Scherzer’s illness.
He said, “I had noticed something while running a few days ago.” “Hamstring tightened up, didn’t feel like I strained or anything like that. The past two days were a good period of recovery.
He said, “Then I went through the normal routine to go for this and make a starting today, and my hamstring just tightened up.”
Scherzer stated that he would be able to continue some of his daily routines, unlike deGrom. This makes his recovery easier than deGrom’s.
Scherzer stated, “Fortunately this doesn’t really impact when I throw, so it’s possible to get into my throwing mechanics.”
After winning the American League Cy Young in 2013, Scherzer claimed that he had a great offseason routine. Major League Baseball players and owners worked together to resolve a 99-day lockout, which delayed the start of spring training.
“It’s frustrating. This offseason, I have really put in a lot of effort — running heavy and lifting my legs. Scherzer stated that she felt in a good place with her body and arm.
