Opening Day 2022 is not even here yet, but New York Mets fans are already feeling like the sky is falling. Now the Mets themselves are clarifying some troubling recent rumors about the health of star pitcher Max Scherzer.
Speaking Friday on WFAN in New York, local radio host Evan Roberts said that Scherzer is potentially dealing with a hamstring injury. Roberts noted that Mets manager Buck Showalter would not commit to Scherzer pitching on Opening Day, which was indeed the case this week.
A source told Evan that Max Scherzer is dealing with a hamstring injury
— Evan and Tiki (@EvanandTikiWFAN) April 1, 2022
Buck Showalter won't say if Max Scherzer will start Opening Day in Jacob deGrom's absence: pic.twitter.com/8xBH0bEIbY
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 1, 2022
The rumor sent Mets fans into a mad panic, so much so that the team issued an apparent response. Andy Martino of SportsNet New York reported on the air that he has been told by the team that they believe (for the moment) that Scherzer will be ready for Opening Day on Apr. 7.
.@martinonyc on the report that Max Scherzer has a hamstring issue:
"What I'm told from the team is that they do think right now that Scherzer is going to be okay for Opening Day" pic.twitter.com/RJ4QtQhPmi
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 1, 2022
Any potential issue with Scherzer’s health is especially concerning with the news this week that the Mets’ other top pitcher, Jacob deGrom, has an arm injury and will miss a good chunk of time to start the season. Scherzer is the next man up in the rotation, but there is a slight drop-off beyond that with Chris Bassitt (a 2021 All-Star but not quite deGrom or Scherzer material), Taijuan Walker, and Carlos Carrasco rounding out the rest of the starters.
The Mets just made a big investment in the 37-year-old Scherzer, signing him to a three-year, $130 million contract. While he also dealt with injury issues last season, it does not sound like there is much to be concerned about with Scherzer’s health just yet.
Photo: Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) has his glove and hat inspected between innings against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
