Max Scherzer Oblique Injury Even Worse Than Feared

The news has gone from bad to worse Thursday afternoon for the New York Mets, as they've now learned that Max Scherzer's oblique injury, suffered during Wednesday night's game, is more serious than feared, and will keep him out for 6-to-8 weeks.

Images show a "moderate to high-grade" oblique strain for Max Scherzer, Mets PR announces. The general timeline for recovery ranges from 6-8 weeks.

Sounds pretty similar to Jack Flaherty's injury nearly a year ago. #STLCards

— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) May 19, 2022

An MRI showed a "moderate to high-grade" oblique strain. The earliest Mad Max could return, if he's on a quick-recovery timeline, is early July. Scherzer pulled himself from Wednesday night's start, mid-batter, with pain in his side. 

July is also the approximate timeline—if things go well—for the Mets' other ace, Jacob deGrom. And deGrom's fill-in, Tylor Megill, is also on the shelf until at least early June with biceps tendinitis. With three of their top six starters out, the Mets' rotation looks completely different than it did coming into the season.

As things currently stand, the Mets' unofficial rotation is:

1. Chris Bassitt
2. Carlos Carrasco
3. Taijuan Walker
4. David Peterson
5. Trevor Williams

Have to think Thomas Szapucki would be the next man up after that.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 19, 2022

The trade for former Oakland A's ace Chris Bassitt is now looking to be quite fortuitous for New York, as he will serve as a more-than-adequate front-line starter in the meantime. 

Scherzer, who signed a 3-year, $130M contract this offseason, is 5-1 thus far with a 2.54 ERA. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports