Max Scherzer is still slated to return to the New York Mets’ rotation on Monday, manager Buck Showalter confirmed on Thursday prior to his team’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The 38-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique issue — the same oblique that sidelined him for nearly two months earlier this season.
“His body language was really good today,” Showalter said. “So far so good. We’ll see how the work day goes and if everything goes well, he’ll be back on Monday.”
Scherzer tossed 3.2 innings and struck out seven on Wednesday night for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. When asked how he felt, the three-time Cy Young Award winner said “excellent,” and that he was “ready” to rejoin the big club. But the following day of any rehab start is vital to ensure that remains the case.
Ergo, Showalter’s “so far so good,” is a good sign that the righty is still on course for early next week.
“He’s a little disappointed that they didn’t let him finish the fourth inning,” Showalter said. “But what would a trip to Syracuse be without something?”
With Scherzer back in the fold, the Mets will place left-handed starting pitcher David Peterson into the bullpen with the rotation at finally back at full strength.
Peterson is coming off a dismal start against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night in which he was tagged for five runs in just one-third of an inning before getting yanked by Showalter. Because he threw just 29 pitches, he could be available as soon as Friday night — though Saturday is a more realistic target.
“That was probably the only good thing that came out of last night,” Showalter said.
