When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for all-time great Max Scherzer at the deadline, the rest of the league was put on notice.
Despite being down two elite arms, LA’s rotation went from good to great with the addition of the three-time Cy Young winner.
He has made three starts with the Dodgers to this point, and it’s safe to say he has lived up to the hype.
Max Scherzer, Elevated 🔥🎯 pic.twitter.com/hvU9ac2Z7i
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 16, 2021
Today, we’re going to grade his time with LA so far.
Let’s get started.
Evaluating His First Start
In his Dodgers debut, Scherzer did everything right.
He was thrust into a huge moment, as the Houston Astros were in town for a big three-game series.
With bad blood always at play between the Dodgers and Astros, intensity was at a high.
Scherzer got the ball in the series finale, and he shoved.
Over seven innings, he gave up just two runs on five hits.
He struck out 10 batters along the way and issued just one free pass.
He exited with the lead, and LA held on to give him his first victory in Dodger Blue.
It was an outstanding way for the ace to introduce himself to his new fanbase.
Evaluating His Second Start
In his second start, Scherzer dealt with a pesky Philadelphia Phillies team.
The game was on the road, and the Phillies were riding an eight-game winning streak at the time.
That didn’t matter to Scherzer.
Until Mother Nature got in the way, he dominated.
A rain delay in the fourth inning cut his outing short, but he still managed an impressive line of 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K.
Max Scherzer painting.pic.twitter.com/nsI1v30IP2
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) August 10, 2021
When the game resumed after the delay, the Dodgers went to the bullpen and got 5.2 really solid innings of relief work from six total relief arms.
L.A. ultimately came away with a 5-0 win, snapping Philly’s run of eight straight victories.
Evaluating His Third Start
In his most recent outing, Scherzer faced the New York Mets on the road.
Like always, he did his job.
He tossed six innings of two-run ball, allowing just four hits and two walks.
He racked up 16 swinging strikes and fanned seven batters in total.
It was a blowout victory for Los Angeles, and Scherzer was credited with his second win as a Dodger.
He’s 2-0 since joining his new team.
Overall Grade So Far: A
This is exactly what Los Angeles signed up for.
The Dodgers are 3-0 in Scherzer’s starts, and all three games have been against good teams.
When you trade for an ace, all you ask is that he gives you a chance to win every time he gets the ball.
That’s exactly what Scherzer has done to this point, and it’s a safe bet that he will continue to do so the rest of the way.
Plus, when the postseason rolls around, the Dodgers are going to reap the benefits of Scherzer’s outstanding track record.
He has a 3.38 ERA over 22 career playoff outings.
The last time he pitched in the postseason was in 2019, the year in which led the Washington Nationals to a World Series title.
He managed an absurd 2.40 ERA in those playoffs.
The Dodgers would love to see some similar results this year.
NEXT: 1 Future Ace Currently In Los Angeles Dodgers Organization