Port ST. Lucy, Fla. – New York Mets star Max Scherzer says his hamstring looks great and he is ready to pitch in the second game of the season against Washington on Friday night.
The Mets have not yet announced who will start the day on Thursday in the national park.
The news that Sherzar was OK with his bullpen session on Tuesday morning must have been a relief for the Mets. The team is still struggling with a recent diagnosis that colleague Jacob Digram will be out for about two months due to inflammation around the blade in his right shoulder.
Mets manager Buck Schulter does not promise when Sherzar will pitch. But looking forward to facing three-time Sai Young Award winner Washington, who traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers late last season.
“Possible (Friday),” Schwartz said after Scherzer’s morning work. “It’s good. We’ll see tomorrow how he feels. There’s some part of this whole thing – how he feels tomorrow, how he feels the next day.”
“I will not pitch him on Thursday. Never going, ”he said.
Sholter did not announce who would start the opener.
“We have some thoughts, but we really aren’t there yet in public. We will get something there soon, ”he said.
Right-handed Tyler Miguel and left-hander David Peterson top the list of candidates among the available starting pitchers not slotted in rotation.
With the break-up of the camp and the team heading to Washington for a Wednesday workout, the agency has made some decisions.
Apart from some unexpected injuries, Schwalter said he would carry 14 pitches on his crew, including new reliever Jolie Rodriguez, acquired from the New York Yankees for reliever Miguel Castro on Sunday.
Rodriguez gave the Mets Bullpen another left-hander in addition to Chaseen Shreve, an addition to the mid-camp.
In four Grapefruit League innings, Shreve has allowed only one baseman – walking – and six outs.
Adding 30-year-old Rodriguez gives pitching coach Jeremy Hefner another option to work late in the game.
“I think I have more chances to pitch because the Yankees were more leftist. There aren’t many here, so I will have that opportunity, ”he said through an interpreter
The Mets are hoping Brandon Nimmo will be available in Washington. The center fielder was out for a few days with a stiff neck but received a cortisone shot on Tuesday after an MRI.
Nimmo also had a stiff neck in early spring but showed signs of improvement, with his availability on Thursday creating a possibility.
“Yesterday there were some doubts, but as the days went by it got better. (Shot) was to loosen everything. I hope for better results, “said Schwalter.
Although manager Travis Jankowski did not promise to create the club, he did indicate that the fast outfielder – who plays in three positions – would remain on the roster unless a 15th pitcher was suddenly added.
“There’s a reason he’s not tripping today (last spring) … take any chances,” Schwolter said.