Mets activate Scherzer from IL ahead of key start vs. Brewers, Burnes
The New York Mets have one of their aces back for the home stretch.
New York reinstated right-hander Max Scherzer from the 15-day injured list Monday, a few hours before he takes the mound against Milwaukee Brewers ace and reigning NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.
Max Scherzer won't be going "real deep" tonight, per Buck Showalter. Scherzer threw 59 pitches in his rehab start last week and will be "between 70 and 100" tonight, Showalter said somewhat tongue-in-cheek. It'll probably be closer to the former than the latter.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 19, 2022
Scherzer was sidelined by left oblique irritation Sept. 7, a few days after he left a start early due to fatigue in the muscle. He missed seven weeks earlier this year due to a similar injury.
When healthy, the 38-year-old has been his usual self for the Mets, who signed him to a three-year, $130-million contract in the offseason. Despite making just 20 starts, Scherzer enters Monday's game sporting a sparkling 0.92 WHIP and career-low 2.26 ERA, along with 153 strikeouts.
The Mets enter Monday clinging to a one-game lead over the rival Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
In addition to getting Scherzer back, New York also reinstated right-hander Tylor Megill from the 60-day IL. Megill, who's been sidelined since June because of bicep and shoulder injuries, will pitch out of the bullpen down the stretch, manager Buck Showalter said Saturday, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post.
Pitchers Stephen Nogosek and Alex Claudio were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in corresponding roster moves.