Photo by Ed Delany of MMO
Updated Post – April 5, 9:50 AM
Max Scherzer told reporters on Tuesday morning that he felt fine after throwing a bullpen season earlier in the day and he could pitch on Friday. That would be the Mets second game of the regular season vs the Nationals in Washington.
Original Post – April 2, 13:05 PM
Following Saturday’s news that Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled intrasquad start with a hamstring issue, Scherzer addressed the media. While it was reported to just be precautionary, and nowhere near as serious as the injury that has Jacob deGrom out at least four weeks, it’s still a potential blow to the Mets’ second ace.
“It’s frustrating,” Scherzer said. “I’ve really worked hard this offseason to really lift my legs heavy, do all the running. I felt like I was in a really good spot with my body and my arm. And it’s frustrating to have my arm and be at this point, and have a little hiccup in my leg.”
Scherzer said he first felt tightness in his right hamstring on Thursday, and he felt it again Saturday morning as he was going through his usual pregame routine.
At this point, he’s unsure whether he’ll be able to pitch opening day, but he doesn’t think it’ll be a long-term issue.
“I’ve had these little hamstring issues before, and they go away in days,” Scherzer said. “Fortunately enough, I’ve been pretty good to not have serious hamstring injuries. I’ve just had little hiccups. I think this is the same thing.”
Scherzer, 37, has been a durable pitcher throughout his career. Outside of making 27 starts in 2019 and the 12 in the shortened 2020 season, he’s made at least 30 starts every year since 2009.
He’s currently working with the training staff to figure out what caused the issue.
“You just deal with what you’ve got,” Scherzer said. “This is what I have in front of me. I’ve got to figure out how to navigate through it. I’ve found a way to get through different injuries; hopefully this is another one I can overcome.”
Mets manager Buck Showalter said Saturday that Scherzer starting on opening day “is still an option.” Showalter also said if Scherzer is unable to start in the Mets’ first game, they could go with a bullpen game.
“It’s one of the things we’re considering,” Showalter said of a potential bullpen game. “I’m trying to think if there’s anything we wouldn’t.”
Beyond the uncertainty about opening day, Scherzer doesn’t know when he will pitch next. He said he played catch on Saturday anyway after his hamstring was too tight to make his scheduled start.
The post Max Scherzer Could Pitch On Friday first appeared on Metsmerized Online.
