Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Max Scherzer has been pulled from his scheduled start against the Oakland A’s on Sunday due to “lingering soreness.” Mike Puma of The New York Post was first with the news.
According to Puma, Scherzer has been dealing with soreness and will now pitch Wednesday for the Mets against the Dodgers in LA.
The Mets had yet to name a starter for Wednesday.
As a result, José Butto will take to the mound on Sunday instead of Scherzer in the final game of the series against the A’s. The Mets have taken the first two games.
The good news is that it appears to be nothing serious with Scherzer. He underwent imaging in the area below his scapula, and it isn’t believed to be a significant issue. But, per Puma, Scherzer didn’t want to be “selfish” by pitching on Sunday when he’s not at 100 percent. All being well, he will instead take the ball on Wednesday against his former team.
With Scherzer’s start now pushed back to next week, that paves the way for Butto to make his 2023 debut for the Mets on Sunday. The righty was recalled by the Mets on Saturday as part of a series of moves. Jimmy Yacabonis had his contract selected, while Dennis Santana was DFA’d and Stephen Nogosek was placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow bone bruise.
Butto made his Major League debut in 2022 but it was one to forget. The RHP gave up seven runs to the Phillies on nine hits in four innings of work. He also allowed two walks.
The 13th ranked prospect by MMO began the 2023 season in Triple-A with Syracuse. He has made two starts and has allowed just two earned runs on six hits in 9.2 innings. He has struck out eight and walked five while pitching to a stellar 1.86 ERA.
Having had a taste of pitching in the majors, the Mets will be hoping for a better start from Butto this time around and he will have the chance to help his team secure the series sweep against Oakland on Sunday.
