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New York Mets fans can breathe a sigh of relief after hearing what ace Max Scherzer had to say after an abrupt end to his start Sunday at Citi Field.
Scherzer left the Mets game against the Washington Nationals early after 67 pitches in five innings due to “fatigue on his left side.” But the fans watching were probably in a panic as Scherzer immediately declared his outing over and left the mound in despair.
“It wasn’t anything special, I don’t have any strains, just the left side got tired a lot quicker than usual,” Scherzer said of the New York Post. “So that was a precautionary measure given the history of the bank.”
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Max Scherzer of the Mets plays against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on September 3, 2022 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Scherzer has been on the shelf for seven weeks this season due to an oblique strain. It’s always a tricky soft-tissue injury that can reappear despite a full recovery.
So, as a precautionary measure, Scherzer made the executive’s decision to declare his night over.
“Was there a scenario where I could go out there and field the sixth and be okay? Yes, it could have happened,” he explained. “But if I went out in the sixth round and got hurt, there’s no way I can come here and look the guys in the face and say I made the right decision. In this scenario, better safe than sorry.”
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Scherzer is a seasoned veteran who understands what is at stake for his team. The Mets have a two-game lead in the NL East over the Atlanta Braves, who are rushing for that division title. With just a month left to play, Scherzer’s presence in the rotation, especially in the postseason, is a necessity for the Mets.
Max Scherzer of the Mets during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, September 3, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K Murray)
“You just couldn’t take any chances, especially with the calendar,” he said. “There is no more time to start up again. So I think that was just as important to get out after five.”
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The Mets have displayed their depth and clutch game all season, making them premier contenders for the World Series for the first time since their journey to the dance in 2015. Scherzer’s addition to the rotation wasn’t just an expected jolt to the team’s pitching stats. but in the dressing room.
The 38-year-old is a natural leader who lets everything out on the field, even when he’s not on the pitch. The Mets have matched Scherzer’s intensity and never-ending attitude.
New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer has been on the shelf for seven weeks this season due to an oblique strain. (AP Photo/Noah K Murray)
And since Scherzer came back from that IL stint with his slash, he’s had a 2.22 ERA over 12 starts and jumping straight back into the herd.
Scherzer doesn’t think he’ll miss his next start either.
“Leave that off for a few days and I should be feeling fine pretty soon,” he said.
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The Mets would lose that contest to the Nationals 7-1.
Scott Thompson is a sportswriter at Fox News Digital.