Mets' Max Scherzer Still Pitching with Shoulder Injury, Says Goal Is to Not 'Break'

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer's shoulder injury has resulted in some poor performances recently, but he's planning to continue pitching through it.

"Just don't break," Scherzer said of his goal while pitching with the injury, per Dan Martin and Mike Puma of the New York Post. "I'm trying like hell not to join the IL. I'm fighting through this and doing everything I can. But this is the big leagues, and no one cares if you're hurt. You've got to go out there and perform, so I get it."

Scherzer is reportedly experiencing discomfort below his right scapula. He surrendered six earned runs in just 3.1 innings as the Mets suffered an 8-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers last week. He now has a 2-2 record in five starts with a 5.56 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP.

Still, Scherzer believes he will be able to turn things around soon. He's scheduled to take the mound again for Tuesday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

"I'm doing everything I can to get through this without having it linger through the rest of the season," Scherzer said. "I'm in a good spot… I'm not going backward [with the injury]. I'm moving forward. That's the good part."

The 38-year-old dealt with a similar injury in 2019 while he was a member of the Washington Nationals, but that one was more severe and caused him to miss several weeks.

"That's how bad this can get," Scherzer said. "I respect that. I've learned from that, and I'm trying like hell to not have that happen."

The Mets have lost five of their last six games and sit in second place in the NL East with a 17-18 record. The team's pitching staff has struggled, ranking 22nd in the majors with a collective ERA of 4.74.

New York is hoping Scherzer will be able to help get things back on track Tuesday in Cincinnati.