Max Scherzer set for home debut with Mets
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer delivers a pitch against the Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 13 in Philadelphia. Credit: Getty Images/Rich Schultz
Twenty-two times Max Scherzer has pitched in New York, including one occasion as a rookie at Shea Stadium. But he has never experienced a game like this.
Scherzer will make his home debut as a member of the Mets on Tuesday against the Giants in the second game of a single-admission doubleheader, the result of a rained-out series opener Monday. The first game will begin at 3:10 p.m. and the second will start 30 to 40 minutes after the first one ends.
Having enjoyed the “hostile environment” that Citi Field can be for visiting players, Scherzer now will get a taste of being on the other side.
“I like when there’s a [big] crowd and a bunch of fans and it feels like they’re going to come out of the stands and get you,” Scherzer said last month, reflecting on his duels against the Mets. “Those are fun environments to pitch in. I’m a high-adrenaline pitcher, so I feel comfortable pitching in that environment. New York is obviously one of those type of environments that brought that type of energy. It’s going to be fun to be pitching a lot in that type of environment.
“It’s fun to have these New York fans behind you now. Coming in and competing against them for so long, to now have them on your side, it’s great. To see kids out there wearing your jersey, that always puts a smile on my face. I want to go out there and represent the Mets as best I can and go out there and compete as well as I can.”
Scherzer will pitch opposite San Francisco righthander Logan Webb. Tylor Megill, who had been set to start Monday, will go against righthander Alex Cobb in the opener.
Both contests are scheduled for nine innings. MLB did not keep the 2020-21 rule that made doubleheader games seven innings each.
Those with tickets for Tuesday can attend both games. Those who had tickets for Monday cannot attend Tuesday but can exchange them for tickets to another game. Visit Mets.com/rain for more information.
Walker update
Taijuan Walker (right shoulder bursitis) is scheduled to pitch in a scrimmage against lower-level Mets minor-leaguers on Wednesday, he said. He is hoping to throw three innings and 45 to 50 pitches.
Walker’s hope is to return to the Mets’ rotation after that, which would mean pitching in St. Louis next week. But manager Buck Showalter said over the weekend that the plan is for Walker to make at least two rehab starts.
Extra bases
Trevor May reported feeling normal after his appearance Saturday, his first after being diagnosed with a minor right triceps strain . . . Pete Alonso (two homers, 10 RBIs) was an honorable mention for NL Player of the Week, which went to Cubs rookie Seiya Suzuki (.412/.545/1.059 with five RBIs).
Tim Healey is the Mets beat writer for Newsday. Born on Long Island and raised in Connecticut, Tim has previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Boston Globe and MLB.com. He is also the author of “Hometown Hardball,” a book about minor league baseball in the northeast.
