Mets Rumors: Max Scherzer 'Hopeful' for Saturday Return vs. Nats After Neck Injury

After neck spasms caused New York Mets star Max Scherzer to miss Tuesday's start against the Cincinnati Reds, Newsday's Tim Healey. reported the right-hander could return to the mound this weekend against the Washington Nationals.

While Healey described Scherzer as "hopeful" he'd pitch Saturday, Mets manager Buck Showalter said Sunday was the more realistic option for three-time Cy Young Award winner. It would be his regular turn in the rotation.

Before Thursday's 5-0 loss against the Reds, Scherzer made a huge step in his recovery by playing catch from 90 feet. The next step is throwing off the mound, which he plans to do Friday.

"He's improving each day," Showalter said. "So it's just a matter of when. But we want to get him up on the mound and make sure that's OK."

Even in the midst of one of the worst seasons of his career, the 38-year-old's return will be a welcome sight for Mets fans as their squad has had a rough go of things to start the year after winning over 100 games in 2022.

New York sits in fourth place in the NL East at 18-20, 7.5 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves despite having the largest payroll in baseball at over $346 million, according to Spotrac.

The team has had its fair share of injuries with pitchers such as Scherzer, Carlos Carrasco and José Quintana all missing time. Star closer Edwin Díaz is out for the year with a torn patellar.

But it's still been a struggle, even discounting the injuries.

Scherzer, who was a major part of last season's success, has been a key piece of the slow start in 2023 as well. He's gone 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA, the highest mark of his career and way below his typically elite standards.