Max Scherzer put most of the fans at Citi Field into a panic on Wednesday night when he immediately motioned to the dugout that he had to come out of the game after firing a low slider to Albert Pujols in the sixth inning of New York's win over the Cardinals.
It didn't look great given how quickly and emphatically Scherzer alerted the dugout that he felt something wrong on that final pitch, but the All-Star is hoping that it was a quick enough exit to avoid anything that would lead to an extended absence.
"I don't think this is a major strain," Scherzer said after the game. "I was kind of tight and all of a sudden it went, but I don't feel like I really ripped it. it just kind of got worse. Hopefully I got out quick enough to prevent a major injury. I know obliques, intercostals, those things can be nasty. Hopefully I avoided a serious injury."
Scherzer said it was something he felt even before taking the mound on Wednesday, but he was clearly able to pitch through the discomfort, at least initially, allowing just one earned run over 5.2 innings of work, but after that pitch to Pujols, he knew it would be reckless to push it any longer.
"My side was kind of tight all today," Scherzer said. "In the sixth there, in that Pujols at-bat, just felt a zing in my left side and knew I was done.
"I've never had a left side injury before, so when I felt it, I knew there was no way I could throw another pitch, so just get out of there."
The Mets obviously hope serious injury was avoided, as Scherzer has been brilliant for the team after signing a record deal in the offseason. He holds a 2.54 ERA over 49.2 innings, and with Jacob deGrom not close to a return, and Tylor Megill on the IL with biceps inflammation, New York can't afford to lose another key rotation piece.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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