A Blow To The Max

By : Mike Rifkin

Mets pitcher Max Scherzer pulled himself out of his start on Wednesday. On Thursday the club announced that Scherzer has a strained oblique and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. On top of the fact that ace Jacob DeGrom has yet to throw a pitch this season, although the team has provided news on DeGrom but fans are still waiting for his return. The plan when the Mets signed Scherzer was to pair him with DeGrom at the top of the rotation. Thus far this season Scherzer is 5-1 with a 2.54 ERA. Obviously you are losing one of the top pitchers in baseball, but what Scherzer gives you on days he isn’t starting is just as important. He is always seen talking to the starting pitcher about what they are doing or showing them on an IPad. His leadership is irreplaceable.

Now the Mets rotation which has been tremendous to start the season has been dealt another big blow. Tylor Megill is supposed to play catch soon and see what happens after. Megill was dealing with Biceps Tendonitis. David Peterson has been called up and has been really good when called upon. Chris Bassitt has been sensational since coming over from the Athletics. Bassitt is 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA.  Carlos Carrasco who had a rough first season with the Mets after coming over in the Francisco Lindor trade. Carrasco has been solid so far is 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA.  Carrasco along with Taijuan Walker who is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA are going to step up big time for the Mets. The Mets also have Trevor Williams who threw four shutout innings against the Cardinals in game one of their doubleheader on Tuesday. They also signed veteran Trevor Cahill to a minor league contract last week. The organization can’t replace Scherzer who is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but the Mets should explore a trade for a guy who could fill out the backend of the rotation and give them some rotation depth.  One benefit for the Mets is that they currently hold a seven game lead in the National League East. But the Mets schedule is going to be more difficult including in the beginning of June going on a 10 game road trip playing four games at the Dodgers and three against the Padres and Angels. The Mets have gotten off to a great start, but with DeGrom and now Scherzer out until July the team will need everyone to keep contributing.