Max Scherzer Not Pitching During Mets Series Against Dodgers

Once the Los Angeles Dodgers complete a wraparound series with the Miami Marlins, their road trip will continue with a highly-anticipated matchup against the New York Mets. However, it won’t include a chance to see Max Scherzer for the first time since he departed in free agency.

The right-hander started Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies on regular rest rather than being pushed back a day. In addition to Scherzer being a strong believer in sticking to a set routine, the Mets aren’t in a position to take such luxury as purposely aligning their rotation.

They also can lean on Taijuan Walker starting the series opener against the Dodgers, followed by Jacob deGrom and Chris Bassitt. Dodgers probable starters for the series at Citi Field are Andrew Heaney, Tyler Anderson and Dustin May. However, it’s possible Clayton Kershaw returns from the 15-day injured list to start the finale against the Mets.

Kershaw has thrown a pair of simulated games over the past week in lieu of joining a Minor League affiliate for a rehab assignment. He stretched out to four innings at loanDepot Park on Saturday.

When the Dodgers and Mets split a four-game series at Dodger Stadium in early June, the starting matchups were Walker and Tony Gonsolin, Bassitt and Anderson, David Peterson and Walker Buehler, and Trevor Williams and Julio Urías.

Scherzer was on the IL due to a left oblique strain.

Scherzer blamed Dodgers, but clarified comments

After blaming the Dodgers for his inability to rebound from pitching on short rest in the National League Division Series, the veteran attempted to clarify his remarks upon signing a record-setting contract with the Mets.