Mets' Max Scherzer pitching through shoulder issue

Things continue to go from bad to worse for the New York Mets and co-ace Max Scherzer. 

According to Dan Martin and Mike Puma of the New York Post, Scherzer is attempting to pitch through "discomfort below his right scapula, around his shoulder blade." 

The 38-year-old had a start pushed back in April because of what was said at the time to be soreness in his back and side. 

"I’m doing everything I can to get through this without having it linger through the rest of the season," Scherzer explained. "I’m in a good spot … I’m not going backward [with the injury], I’m moving forward. That’s the good part." 

Scherzer admitted in April he was "struggling" to adapt to the new MLB pitch clock and then received a 10-game suspension related to the use of foreign substances after his hand was allegedly overly "sticky" during an April 19 start at the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The three-time Cy Young Award winner repeatedly insisted he used only league-approved rosin and sweat that day but was then rocked upon his return to the bump at the Detroit Tigers last Wednesday. 

Puma pointed out that Scherzer’s spin rates and velocity were noticeably down versus the Tigers. 

"Just don’t break," Scherzer said about trying to remain in the rotation despite the shoulder issue. "I’m trying like hell not to join the (injured list). I’m fighting through this and doing everything I can. But this is the big leagues and no one cares if you’re hurt. You’ve got to go out there and perform, so I get it." 

Scherzer is 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA across five starts this season, while fellow co-ace Justin Verlander only made his official Mets debut last Thursday against Detroit after he landed on the IL on Opening Day with a low-grade teres major strain (strained shoulder). 

Meanwhile, the Mets began April 22 at 14-7 but have since plummeted to 17-18. They'll look to turn things around when they begin a three-game series at the 14-20 Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday evening. Scherzer is on track to start the series opener.