If there’s one thing about the New York Mets that many thought would go well, it would be the starting pitching staff. Even after losing Taijuan Walker, Chris Bassitt, and of course, Jacob deGrom, the rotation looked strong. Max Scherzer and big free agent signing Justin Verlander were primed to be an incredible duo. Along with Verlander, José Quintana and Kodai Senga were added to the rotation. Veteran Carlos Carrasco would hold the fifth starter spot, and Tylor Megill and David Peterson would be the sixth men in the rotation. Overall, it looked solid, but talent on paper doesn’t always translate on the field. Scherzer certainly has seen his fair share of struggles.
Mets’ Ace Has Returned to Form
Max Scherzer’s Slow Start
The Mets’ starting pitching staff is among the tops in MLB in walks allowed and home runs allowed. Also allowing first-inning runs constantly throughout the season. For Scherzer, the former World Series champion and 3-time CY Young award winner, it was uncharted territory. Scherzer’s first five starts of the year saw him be ineffective and struggling with his command, and even a noteworthy suspension along the way. In 22.2 innings pitched, Scherzer went 2-2 with an unprecedented 5.56 ERA. Saying the words “Max Scherzer” and “5.56 ERA” at any time in a season would shock the baseball world. His troubles didn’t end there as he also allowed 14 runs, all earned, on 22 hits and 6 home runs. The opponent’s slugging percentage was .518 with an OPS of .851 against him. His worst start of that stretch came in Detroit against the lowly Tigers in the middle of a surprising sweep.
If you find a hitter having a better day than Eric Haase, we'll be right here. But we probably won't believe you. pic.twitter.com/XU3t4lTWGO
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 3, 2023
Scherzer didn’t pitch past the 4th inning and allowed six runs, all of them earned, on 8 hits. The Mets lost that game 8-1 in the second of a doubleheader against Detroit. You can argue getting swept by the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park was the worst series of the season so far, but the Mets looked completely lost at Comerica Park. Especially the Mets’ ace. Now about that suspension.
Mad Max Suspended
The start before the disaster against his former team, he had a nightmare against another one of his former teams. Scherzer faced the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium and was ejected after 3 innings due to an illegal sticky substance. Due to this, MLB suspended Scherzer and he chose not to appeal. Questions started to arise about whether Father Time caught up to him. At 38 years old, and soon to be 39 in July, it was fair to ask. Lately, however, Scherzer has shown there is still something left.
The Mets’ Ace Is Back
After his start against Detroit, Scherzer had to go back to the drawing board. Ironically, his bounce back began against yet another former team of his, the Washington Nationals. The team he helped guide to a World Series title in 2019. On May 14th in D.C., Scherzer pitched 5 quality innings and struck out 6 in the Mets’ 8-2 win. It was a baby step sure, but an important one. After that, he pitched 6 shutout innings against the Cleveland Guardians with 5 strikeouts. The Mets won the game 5-4. His next two starts against the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies would be vintage Scherzer. Combined, he threw for 14 innings (7 innings each) and struck out 17 in two wins.
Overall, in his last eight starts, Scherzer has 56 strikeouts in 48 innings with a record of 5-0. His ERA during this stretch is at 3.19, and his ERA for the season is now at 3.95. This includes an 8-inning masterpiece against the defending world champion Houston Astros where he struck out 8 batters in an 11-1 win for New York.
Masterful Max. pic.twitter.com/KbOZMPgB14
— MLB (@MLB) June 20, 2023
His only two blemishes have come against the Braves and New York Yankees. His latest start helped the Mets snap a 3-game losing streak by striking out eight against the Phillies.
A pair of strikeouts for Max Scherzer in the 2nd! pic.twitter.com/vwmFQrJGgn
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 24, 2023
Scherzer turning his season around is a tremendous bright spot for a team that needs all the bright spots they can get. If the Mets are going to right the ship, they’ll need Max Scherzer to be himself the rest of the way.
Main photo credits:
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Taijuan Walker, Chris Bassitt, Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, Carlos Carrasco, Tylor Megill, David Peterson
