For the third straight year, New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer failed in his attempt to sign the 200 on Saturdaye career win. However, his state of health was striking.
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The 38-year-old was retired after just five innings as the Mets drew 1-1 with the Washington Nationals. He had only fired 67 shots when he came on.
Scherzer was reassuring, however, mentioning that he simply felt an unusual fatigue on the left side of his body. He also wanted to play as a precaution, missing part of the season with an injury to his lateral abs, the area where he felt fatigued.
“I didn’t hurt myself,” the gunner assured after the game, his comments being picked up by the major baseball site. Nothing really happened. Nothing has hardened. I just felt a general fatigue on my left side. Under similar conditions, you can injure yourself if you tire.
Scherzer had only allowed a run for three hits and a walk when he was called out. He had also overtaken five opponents in the glove.
“Was there a scenario where I could have gone back in the sixth inning and gotten out unscathed? Of course, explained Scherzer. It could have happened. But if I went back in the sixth inning and hurt myself, I couldn’t have come back to the locker room, looked the boys in the eye and said I made the right call. Prevention is better than cure.”
The Mets, who are two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves in first place in the National’s East Division, are in excellent position ahead of Sunday’s duels to reach the playoffs, which have not been contested since 2016.
The Mets will also need scherzers on the mound if they want to go far in the playoffs.
“I just couldn’t take any chances, especially when you look at where we are on our schedule,” said Scherzer. There is no time to come back from an injury. It played a big part in me retiring after five innings.”
Proof that Scherzer is not seriously injured could be at his post on his next scheduled exit.