Max Scherzer Sep 3, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) walks into the dugout after being taken out of the game against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

At one point this season, the New York Mets looked to be cruising towards the playoffs with a comfortable first-place lead, an explosive offense, and one of the best pitching rotations in baseball. Now, the Mets are no longer in first place, the hitters have suddenly gone cold, and the team got hit with some bad injury news from ace pitcher Max Scherzer.

According to Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, New York is placing Scherzer on the 15-day injured list, meaning he will miss Friday’s start against the Miami Marlins.

This news comes after Scherzer left his previous start against the Washington Nationals after just five innings with fatigue in his left oblique. While the Mets originally hoped their ace had avoided any serious injury with Scherzer saying “I’m hurt, not injured,” according to the New York Post, it appears that is not actually the case.

The news is yet another blow to a Mets fanbase that is all too familiar with late-season collapses and letdowns, and as a result, the Major League Baseball work had plenty to say in response to Scherzer’s unfortunate injury update.

While the Mets still have a strong chance of winning the NL East over the Atlanta Braves, things are certainly not trending in their direction the past few weeks.

[Anthony DiComo]