Mets' Max Scherzer Likely To Pitch Game 2 Against Nationals

Mets co-ace Max Scherzer is likely to start Game 2 of the regular-season against the Nationals.

With Jacob deGrom expected to be on the shelf until at least June 1 with a stress reaction on his right scapula, Max Scherzer will need to step up from co-ace to No. 1 starter for the first few months of the regular-season.

But with Scherzer dealing with what he called a hamstring "hiccup," the right-hander's status is up in the air at the moment. 

Luckily, it appears that the Mets have caught a break. 

Scherzer tossed a bullpen session on Tuesday morning at Clover Park, and told reporters afterwards that he felt good and will likely pitch on Friday in D.C. The final hurdle he must clear is a fielding test on Thursday in order to receive the green light to make his outing the following day. 

This means Scherzer is out of the equation to start on Opening Day. But if all goes well in two days, he will take the hill in Game 2 of the Mets' opening series of the regular-season with the Washington Nationals. 

Prior to deGrom's injury, Scherzer was originally scheduled to start Game 2 of the series, which will exclusively air on Apple TV+. Fans can watch this game for free if they download the app. 

The Mets have yet to announce a starter for Opening Day, but the options include Tylor Megill, David Peterson, Trevor Williams or a bullpen game. If Scherzer is ready for Game 2, the rest of the Mets' rotation will remain on schedule behind him with an extra day of rest. 

Nimmo Update

According to manager Buck Showalter, outfielder Brandon Nimmo received a cortisone-like shot in his neck. 

Nimmo is dealing with neck stiffness for the second time this spring, which puts his availability for Opening Day in jeopardy. However, Showalter told reporters this morning that he is optimistic that Nimmo will be ready for the regular-season after receiving his injection. 

Walker's Knee 

Taijuan Walker's final start of Grapefruit League play did not go as planned. Following a perfect first inning, the Nationals jumped all over the righty in the second for a total of six runs.

Walker's day was done after 1.1 innings, but not because he got shelled. As he later revealed to reporters, Walker left the game due to knee soreness. 

Taijuan Walker said he experienced knee soreness in today's outing, which was why he only pitched 1.1 innings.

He says he would be "ready to pitch" his first start of the season pic.twitter.com/Gh5JeWoo2q

— SNY (@SNYtv) April 5, 2022

This is a bit concerning because It's the same knee that he underwent a debridement procedure on back in January.

According to Walker, his knee began aching last week, but he says he will still be ready to pitch by his first scheduled start of the regular-season on April 11, which will be against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. 

However, Walker was unable to stretch out in his last outing of the spring, and as a result, the right-hander believes he will only be able to throw around 60-to-65 pitches in Philadelphia.