Camila Sosa
After suffering a terrible scare with the absence of Max Scherzer in his last Spring Training outing due to hamstring discomfort, the New York Mets ace underwent several tests in recent days and he confirmed he will be on hand to make his debut wearing a Queens uniform this Friday against his former team, the Washington Nationals, after Tylor Megill gets the start today on MLB Opening Day.
Last Saturday, the 37-year-old veteran had felt discomfort and ”pressure” in his right hamstring just before his scheduled start, and the Mets decided to keep him out and further examine his physical condition to determine whether or not he would be ready for Opening Day against the Nats. Fortunately, it was much less than expected and the right-hander will be the starter tomorrow against young Josiah Gray.
Scherzer’s statements conveyed reassurance to the entire Mets fan community, as he seemed quite relaxed about his physical situation.
I felt good. I was able to pass all the tests. I did a bullpen (session), I felt good, I could move freely. We even simulated covering first base and I did well enough that they (the medical team) felt comfortable with the pace at which I did all the drills. I knew it was minor, no serious injuries. I have done this several times before and had an idea of what it might be. Fortunately, it was something minor.
New York Mets ace Max Scherzer on his fitness heading into Friday.
Despite this, the horse did not want to give expectations about the number of pitches he will handle and will rely on his feelings during the game. After the loss of the ace Jacob deGrom last week with a fractured right scapula that could keep him off the field until at least June, losing Scherzer would have been another low blow for a Mets team that wants to win the NL East division.
It will be Mad Max ‘s first time pitching at the Nationals Park since being traded last season to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he said he expects a ”wild and crazy” atmosphere in his return, and revealed that although he has great memories with the Washington organization (winning a championship and two of his three Cy Young Awards with the team), ”nothing lasts forever”.
In 2021, the veteran nearly captured his fourth Pitcher of the Season award after posting a 15-4 record along with a 2.46 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 236 strikeouts in 179.1 innings with the Nationals and Dodgers, but came in third in the voting, being edged out by Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers. Prior to the MLB lockout, the Mets signed Max to a three-year, $130 million contract that made him the highest paid in all of baseball in 2022.
