Max Scherzer hasn't had a good start to the season, allowing eight runs in 11.1 innings of work after ending 2022 on a down note after his Wild Card Series flop.
Sal Licata still isn't convinced that Scherzer's struggles are the start of a downward trend, but with the Padres coming back to Citi Field on Monday for the first time since the Wild Card Series, Sal does believe that start for Scherzer could determine how the rest of his year goes.
"That can't happen," Sal said of Scherzer's last outing, which included surrendering three straight home runs against the Brewers. "Max is gonna be scheduled to face San Diego. That's gonna be a big test for him. At home, against that team, coming off of a brutal start, and the memories of last year still fresh in Mets fans' minds.
"In fact, that might be the swing start to his year. If he has another bad one - one bad one, OK, whatever - if he has another bad one, it's gonna be a problem."
If Scherzer struggles in Monday's series opener and Justin Verlander still doesn't have a timeline for a return to the rotation, then Sal will be ready to slam that panic button.
"I'm mildly concerned," Sal said. "We're seven games in…but my number one concern, because the offense is gonna be what it is…my concern is pitching. Where the hell is Verlander? They said the inflammation has subdued, so we should be able to see him soon? I won't hold my breath."
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