Getty Image / Duane Burleson
What many New York Mets fans hoped would be a dream season has turned into a nightmare in the early 2023 MLB season. The team has a record payroll of over $340 million and boasts what is in theory the best starting pitching duo in the league in Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
But, that duo has not worked out at all. Verlander has only just made his first start in a Mets uniform last week, missing all of May with a minor shoulder strain. Max Scherzer started the year healthy, but the future Hall of Fame selection has not been himself this year. He’s pitched to a 5.56 ERA in 22 innings and was suspended for 10 games for having too much rosin and sweat on his person while pitching.
Couple the lack of innings from Verlander and Scherzer with an inconsistent, offense, and the Mets are 17-18 to start the year, and are losers of 11 of their last 14 games, with most of those games coming against teams like the Rockies, Nationals, and Tigers.
After an off day on Monday, the Mets hoped to turn their fortunes around with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander pitching the first two games of a series with the Reds on Tuesday and Wednesday. But, they will be without Scherzer Tuesday, as the 38-year-old suffers from neck spasms.
RHP Max Scherzer has been scratched from tonight’s game due to neck spasms.
LHP David Peterson has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and will start tonight’s game.
RHP Jimmy Yacabonis has been placed on the 15-Day IL, retroactive to May 8, with a left quad strain.
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 9, 2023
Instead, the Mets will start David Peterson. Peterson had been an okay MLB starter for most of his young career but is pitching to a 7.34 ERA this year as he struggles with walks and giving up home runs.
Another setback for the New York Mets, who are already seven games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Let’s hope for their sake that Max Scherzer isn’t on the shelf for long.