It’s official: Max Scherzer returns to the mound tomorrow, and James McCann will be behind the plate.
Okay, so it’s in Binghamton and not in Houston with the Mets, but it’s a big step forward for both, as Scherzer will make his first (and perhaps only) rehab start, while McCann will make his fourth rehab appearance.
Mets manager Buck Showalter confirmed the starts Monday before the Mets’ matinee with the Marlins, and it’s reported that if all goes well, Scherzer could start Sunday in Miami.
"We’ll see how Tuesday goes," Showalter said. "And after Tuesday and after his work day, we’ll see. We trust him but there’s also some things we need to see.”
Scherzer was placed on the IL on May 21 (retroactive to May 19) with a left oblique strain, and while he was also hopeful last week he would only need one rehab start, he’s not going to push it.
“The reality is I can very easily have a rehab start, have it be tight and want to actually do it again before I go into a game,” Scherzer said Thursday. “I’m very aware of working through this injury, really focused on not having a setback.”
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McCann has been out since May 11 due to a fractured hamate bone. The backstop began his rehab assignment at Double-A last Thursday and has played three games – two behind the plate and one at DH – and gone 3-for-13 with one RBI and eight strikeouts.
David Peterson will start for the Mets Monday, but the rest of the rotation is TBA this week, as Tylor Megill – who would have been slated to start Tuesday – is now on the IL. Carlos Carrasco is on turn for Wednesday and the Mets do have an off-day Thursday, so if Scherzer were able to return on Sunday, the Mets would need just one spot start in Megill’s place.
Trevor Williams has started five games for the Mets this season in similar situations.
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