The Mets have had the top two pitches on their staff get injured, but Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are working their way back.
Scherzer left the Mets' game against the Cardinals in the middle of a plate appearance in May. He delivered an 0-1 pitch to Albert Pujols low for a ball with two outs in the sixth inning. After throwing the pitch, he immediately motioned to the dugout that he needed to be removed from the game.
Below is the pitch that caused Scherzer to exit the contest.
Max Scherzer motions to the dugout and leaves the game in the middle of the 6th: pic.twitter.com/EG5DkMTBN2
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 19, 2022
Scherzer had thrown 87 pitches at the time of his exit, and the Mets were leading 6-2. Adam Ottavino came on to relieve him and ended up striking out Pujols.
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What is Max Scherzer's injury?
The Mets initially said Scherzer was dealing with "left side discomfort," but further testing revealed what the team called a "moderate to high grade internal oblique strain."
The team added that the "general timeline" for a player to return from that type of injury is six to eight weeks.
Scherzer explained after the game that he had dealt with tightness in his side throughout the day on Wednesday. It didn't bother him enough to keep him out of the contest, but after he "felt a zing" in his left side, he knew he had to exit.
"I've never had a left side injury before," Scherzer told reporters after it was discovered. "So when I felt it, I just knew there's no way you can throw another pitch, so just get out of there."
The injury is Scherzer's second notable one of the season, as he missed the team's Opening Day game because of a hamstring injury but recovered in time to start the second game. He also dealt with hamstring issues during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
When could Max Scherzer return from injury?
As of June 14, Scherzer is back to throwing bullpens and might be facing live batters again soon. It is thought by the Mets Scherzer could be able to take a rehab assignment as soon as next week, which means his return could be on the horizon.
Scherzer's initial injury timeline was 6-8 weeks, so if the Mets are correct in their belief he would be ahead of schedule in his return.
Who could fill in for Scherzer?
With Scherzer set to miss several weeks, the Mets could recall left-hander David Peterson from Triple-A Syracuse to take his spot and join Chris Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker and Trevor Williams in the rotation.