Mets to decide Wednesday when Max Scherzer will pitch again
Max Scherze of the Mets looks on an inning against the Nationals at Citi Field on Saturday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
PITTSBURGH — Wednesday will be decision day for the Mets regarding Max Scherzer’s near-term status.
After Scherzer left his most recent start due to a fatigued left side, manager Buck Showalter said the Mets intend to decide by Wednesday afternoon about his next start. The three primary options: He takes the ball Friday against the Marlins, his regular day; he gets pushed back an extra day or two to allow for additional rest; or he doesn’t pitch at all this turn in the rotation.
“He’s still getting arms around his issues that he had last time out,” Showalter said. “We think [Wednesday is] as late as we can wait and be fair to someone else who might pitch . . . When we get some of the things that we’re looking at right now in our evaluation toolbox, so to speak, we’ll be able to make a decision.”
If Scherzer can’t or doesn’t pitch Friday, the Mets’ options include Carlos Carrasco, who would be taking the mound on regular rest, plus David Peterson and Trevor Williams.
Make way for May
The Mets hope that Trevor May, who is on the COVID-19-related injured list, returns during the Marlins series that begins Friday.
“We know what the normal period [of being sidelined] is and he’s close to that,” Showalter said.
Guillorme watch
Luis Guillorme (strained left groin) began a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. He went 1-for-4 as the designated hitter as a precautionary move, Showalter said, because of potential rain (and slick field).
“I think we feel pretty good about him defending,” Showalter added.
Megill gets closer
Tylor Megill (strained right shoulder) also joined Syracuse on Tuesday, as scheduled. He struck out all six of his batters in a pair of rehab appearances for Double-A Binghamton last week.
Although Megill is being groomed for a bullpen role upon his return, the Mets aren’t sure yet if they’ll use him as a pure one-inning reliever available on consecutive days or as a multi-inning arm who needs more rest between appearances. Showalter indicated the Mets probably would try both to see how his body responds.
Does Megill have the right mentality to be a major-league reliever?
“Who knows? I’d be surprised if he didn’t,” Showalter said. “It’s not one I’m going to have him overthink. Catch it, take it, throw it, get people out and come in the dugout. I think he’s looking forward to it.”
Extra bases
Joely Rodriguez was unavailable in the Mets’ 8-2 loss to the Pirates due to a stiff neck, Showalter said . . . Chris Bassitt will start the 12:35 p.m. game Wednesday, with Jacob deGrom getting the ball for the 6:35 p.m. contest . . . Utility infielder Deven Marrero is cousins with the Pirates’ assistant hitting coach, Christian Marrero. So the teams’ postponement Monday meant they got to hang out. Deven Marrero will get to see relatives this weekend, too, when the Mets play in his native Miami. “Nice little family trip for me,” he said . . . Showalter was among those mystified — and not thrilled — after the would-be series opener was called nearly three hours before first pitch Monday due to the threat of rain. Then it barely rained. “I ain’t figured out that one yet,” Showalter said. “Don’t get me going.” . . . The Mets had their fantasy football draft Monday. Showalter doesn’t participate. “Everybody tells me I would really like it, so I’m trying not to,” he said. “I got enough things I’m trying not to do. But I do know the spread in Arizona [which is hosting Mississippi State, Showalter’s alma mater, this weekend].”
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.
