Max Scherzer has Nightmare Outing in Return to New York Mets

Max Scherzer's return to the mound did not go as planned.

Not the return he would've hoped for.

After serving a 10-game suspension for foreign substances, Max Scherzer returned to the Mets on Wednesday night and had a nightmare outing.

Scherzer lasted just 3.1 innings against the Detroit Tigers, was charged for six earned runs on eight hits, picked up three strikeouts and walked one batter.

Scherzer also gave up two home runs in his start.

On the season, the three-time Cy Young Award winner has a 5.56 ERA in 2023. 

When the Mets assembled their rotation in the offseason, they were counting on Scherzer to be a co-ace to Justin Verlander - two pitchers close to the age of 40. But Scherzer hasn't looked like an ace so far. 

While Scherzer went 11-5 with a 2.29 ERA across 23 starts last season, his 2023 campaign has gotten off to a rough start.

If the Mets are going to get to where they want to go this year, Scherzer must return to his ace-like form. 

The righty threw a total of 3.1 innings in three weeks due to the suspension, so It's possible that he was just dealing with some rust. However, he has struggled in the majority of his starts this season, which should raise some cause for concern. 

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