New York Mets ace Max Scherzer has had a rough season so far.
His ERA stands at 5.56, he had shoulder issues in April, and had to be scratched from his Tuesday’s start because of neck discomfort.
Let’s not forget the embarrassing 10-game suspension for allegedly using too much rosin while pitching a couple of weeks ago.
Add it all up, and Scherzer is probably eager to leave it all behind, return to the mound, and see if he can regain his top form.
The 38-year-old tried to play catch on Wednesday, but had to cut the session short because his neck wasn’t cooperating.
Thursday was apparently more promising on that front.
“Max Scherzer threw on the field today in Cincinnati. Buck Showalter says he is ‘improving each day’ as he works through neck spasms,” SNY tweeted with a video of the pitcher throwing in the outfield.
Max Scherzer threw on the field today in Cincinnati
Buck Showalter says he is "improving each day" as he works through neck spasms pic.twitter.com/5l5ANO4vkf
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 11, 2023
On Wednesday, the pitcher himself revealed that the intention was for him to slot back in the rotation sometime between Friday and Monday, in the series against the Washington Nationals.
There is still no word whether the team will be able to do that, but he finally appears to have turned a corner with the ailment.
He was able to throw, so that alone represents good news.
Will he be able to do that at max effort?
We should find out soon.
For now, and despite Justin Verlander’s return to the pitching staff, the Mets badly need Scherzer to pitch like himself, as soon as possible.
The team is sliding, and having both Scherzer and Verlander healthy would be of great help.
NEXT: Mets Insider Offers Latest Update On Max Scherzer