Max Scherzer Oblique Injury Even Worse Than Feared


The news has gone from bad to worse Thursday afternoon for the New York Mets, as they've now learned that Max Scherzer's oblique injury, suffered during Wednesday night's game, is more serious than feared, and will keep him out for 6-to-8 weeks.

An MRI showed a "moderate to high-grade" oblique strain. The earliest Mad Max could return, if he's on a quick-recovery timeline, is early July. Scherzer pulled himself from Wednesday night's start, mid-batter, with pain in his side. 

July is also the approximate timeline—if things go well—for the Mets' other ace, Jacob deGrom. And deGrom's fill-in, Tylor Megill, is also on the shelf until at least early June with biceps tendinitis. With three of their top six starters out, the Mets' rotation looks completely different than it did coming into the season.

The trade for former Oakland A's ace Chris Bassitt is now looking to be quite fortuitous for New York, as he will serve as a more-than-adequate front-line starter in the meantime. 

Scherzer, who signed a 3-year, $130M contract this offseason, is 5-1 thus far with a 2.54 ERA. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports