The New York Mets have been dealt a tough blow this week.
On Wednesday, Max Scherzer was ejected from his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers as a result of having what umpires described as a foreign substance on his hands.
The punishment for foreign substances is now an automatic 10-game suspension.
Scherzer was indeed issued a suspension, but ultimately chose not to appeal and will serve the suspension.
He’ll miss two starts before returning in May.
On Thursday, Mets manager Buck Showalter commented on the situation and Scherzer’s decision to serve the suspension instead of appealing it, as well as what it means for the Mets.
Buck Showalter on Max Scherzer deciding to serve his suspension:
“Max decided to do what was best to do for our team. That’s all you need to know about Max. Important for him to try to give us the best chance to be as competitive as we can be while he’s out” pic.twitter.com/3mSTdGPBgk
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 21, 2023
Showalter ultimately stated that he believes Scherzer did what was best for the team and that it speaks volumes to his character.
The Mets are obviously going to have a hole in their rotation without Scherzer, especially while Justin Verlander is still on the injured list.
Showalter said that it was ultimately important for Scherzer to accept his punishment and give the Mets the best chance to be as competitive as possible while they are without their ace.
Scherzer signed with the Mets on a three-year, $130 million contract just days prior to the lockout in 2021.
This season, the 38-year-old is 2-1 in his first four starts and has posted a 3.72 ERA over 19.1 innings of work.
He also owns a WHIP of 1.19 and has struck out 17 batters.
The Mets will certainly miss Scherzer’s experience in the rotation while he serves his suspension and will do their best to piece together their rotation with him out.
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Mets Reporter Makes Interesting Note About Max Scherzer’s Ejection
