Min Max.
Max Scherzer has been dealing with a bit of a back injury throughout the 2023 season, and it's potentially resulted in a sub-standard Scherzer season. The three-time Cy Young winner has pitched to a 5.56 ERA (6.35 FIP) over 22 2/3 innings pitched in five starts.
After being scratched in his last scheduled start against the Reds with neck spasms, Tim Healy of Newsday reported Scherzer threw a bullpen session Friday and is likely to return for his start Sunday.
Max Scherzer (neck spasms) just threw about 35 pitches in his first bullpen session since missing his Tuesday start.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) May 12, 2023
He finished with one of his usual fist pumps, so it seems like it went well.
He'll likely pitch Sunday.
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Reports say that the neck spasms are nothing to worry about long-term, but as we've seen with the Mets, short-term things can sometimes turn into long-term things.
Here's the latest on Scherzer's neck issue:
Max Scherzer injury update
Scherzer wasn't been placed on the injured list, but he was scratched from his May 9 start vs. the Reds with neck spasms.
Scherzer has been largely durable in his career, starting 30 or more games in 11 of his 15 seasons in the majors. He missed a number of starts in 2022 with an oblique injury.
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Reports say that the Mets have minimal concern for long-term issues with Scherzer's neck. Following his bullpen session Friday, it looks like this is a temporary setback.
Scherzer has also dealt with an injury in his back in 2023, below his right shoulder blade, but has avoided an IL stint to this point. He did miss a start while dealing with the injury in late April.
He dealt with a similar injury in 2019 with the Nationals, and missed time.
David Peterson, who was set to start Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse, is starting in place of Scherzer.
Scherzer addressed the issue on Tuesday, saying he hasn't pitched well this year and is frustrated with the situation.
"I haven't pitched well this year. I want to get out there, want to get back on track and do it, I think that's what the frustration is."#Mets Max Scherzer discusses his neck spasms that have him scratched from tonight's start vs. Cincinnati https://t.co/cNVklLO56h pic.twitter.com/u6z4TGXgs8
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 9, 2023
This story will be updated.
