May 3, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) walks off the field after giving up six runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. It was Scherzer's first game back after serving a ten game suspension. Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Game Two-New York Mets at Detroit Tigers
(New York, NY) — When it rains it pours.
Mike Mayer of Metsmerized reports that David Peterson has been sent to Cincinnati on Tuesday in case the Mets need a starter.
It’s a concerning development being Max Scherzer is listed as Tuesday’s starter against the Reds.
Of course, Scherzer recently revealed that he’s still dealing with discomfort in his right scapula near his shoulder blade, so either the Mets want a backup plan or they’ve already decided he’s not able to pitch.
“I’m doing everything I can to get through this without having it linger through the rest of the season,’’ Scherzer said before the team left for the road trip. “I’m in a good spot… I’m not going backward [with the injury], I’m moving forward. That’s the good part.”
Scherzer was wrecked by Detroit for six runs coming on eight hits and two homers in his first start back from a 10-game ban for using a banned substance. His velocity wasn’t there and he was duly punished.
“That outing sucked, but I didn’t get hurt,’’ Scherzer said. “The first part of progress of getting through an injury is being able to pitch and not get hurt.”
GM Billy Eppler blamed Scherzer’s struggles in part on an irregular workload due to injury and the suspension. He also acknowledged that perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Mets slow start to the season has been the underperformance of their starting rotation.
The Mets should be providing more information in the next few hours. Stay tuned.
