To the surprise of many, the New York Mets have stumbled out of the gates to start the 2023 season.
Right-hander Max Scherzer hasn’t quite been himself this year, and they spent an entire month without their new free agent signing in Justin Verlander.
New York is a game below the .500 mark, seven games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East division.
The starting rotation is full of question marks at the moment with Scherzer having recently been scratched from his start with neck spasms.
On MLB Network, Mets announcer and former MLB pitcher Ron Darling discussed the state of the team’s rotation as they fight through this tough stretch.
After a big win yesterday from Justin Verlander, Ron Darling gives his take on the current state of the Mets rotation.#HighHeat | @alannarizzo pic.twitter.com/phFwjUSJ2O
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 11, 2023
Darling first commented on Verlander and how important his return has been for the team.
He praised the veteran right-hander for his understanding of the game and ability to pitch in key situations.
The right-hander went seven innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in his second start off the injured list.
This also comes not long after he made a few starts with Double-A Binghamton.
Darling then commented on Scherzer’s status, expressing concern over some lingering issues that have caused him to miss a few starts.
The right-hander was supposed to start on Tuesday against the Reds, but was ultimately scratched.
Darling mentioned how the Mets still view Scherzer as the same pitcher, and somebody they can count on every fifth day.
However, his season hasn’t gone according to plan, as he owns a 5.56 ERA.
Darling says that it’s important for him to get going and for the Mets rotation to start performing a little bit better in order for the team to catch fire.
NEXT: Justin Verlander Finally Accomplished A Rare MLB Feat
