After a few scares with the weather on Tuesday afternoon, the game between the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark ended up taking place a bit later than expected.
That means Mets ace Max Scherzer was able to make his long-awaited return to MLB, and it was a fantastic one for those keeping score.
In six innings, the veteran right-hander didn’t allow any runs and struck out 11 Reds hitters.
If it wasn’t his first game back after a month-and-a-half absence, he probably could have gone an extra inning or two, but the Mets weren’t about to take any chances.
He was that dominant, though.
The ace was expected to take the mound again on Sunday against Sandy Alcantara and the Miami Marlins, but that won’t be the case anymore.
“The Mets have Chris Bassitt listed as their probable pitcher for Friday against Miami. That pushes Max Scherzer’s next start to Monday in Atlanta,” Newsday’s Tim Healey tweeted.
The Mets have Chris Bassitt listed as their probable pitcher for Friday against Miami.
That pushes Max Scherzer’s next start to Monday in Atlanta. https://t.co/vp3Fq8NUIC
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 6, 2022
Scherzer Will Start An Important Game On Monday
Now, Scherzer will make his second start back from the injured list on Monday against the Atlanta Braves, in a pivotal series for both teams.
It’s probably best to have Scherzer, the Mets’ best pitcher, lined up to pitch against the strongest opponent and direct rival.
He will give New York an important competitive edge over the tough Braves.
After Tuesday’s incredible outing, Scherzer’s season ERA is now at 2.26 in nine starts and 55.2 innings.
He has 70 strikeouts and a 0.88 WHIP, and will try to keep showing he can still be a top-ten starter in MLB as long as he is healthy.
So far, so good.
NEXT: Max Scherzer Has Made A Habit Of Dominating The Reds