Brutal Break For New York Mets As 3-Time Cy Young Ace Heads To IL

Well, this isn't the way they wanted Opening Day to go. 

The New York Mets have announced that co-ace Justin Verlander will begin the season on the injured list with a scapula injury.

BREAKING: The Mets plan to place Justin Verlander on the IL today with a "low grade teres major strain."

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 30, 2023

It's been diagnosed as a "low-grade teres major strain." The good news is that Verlander will be allowed to continue to throw at “moderate intensity”, and be re-evaluated in a week. 

But how does this turn of events feel for the 3-time Cy Young Award winner?

"It feels like crap," Justin Verlander said of missing Opening Day. "Not the way I wanted my Mets tenure to start, that's for sure."

Here's Verlander on his injury: pic.twitter.com/blF7EJEA9I

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 30, 2023

The 40-year-old said he felt “a teeny bit of something” in his lat following a bullpen session on Wednesday, and told the training staff. 

“In my mind, it was let’s be prudent here, let’s be smart and get it looked at,” he said. “So, that’s what I did.” 

Verlander signed a 2-year, $86M contract with the Mets this past winter. He was slated to start the season's 2nd game, on Saturday. Manager Buck Showalter will have to do a little re-shuffling of the rotation. 

 Photo: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports