Scherzer's Worst Ever Playoff Start Ends Mets' Game 2 Starter Controversy

The New York Mets' debate over whether or not to start Jacob deGrom in Game 2 or hold him out for a potential Game 3 ended early Friday night early during Game 1. Max Scherzer had the worst playoff start of his career, surrendering four home runs and seven earned runs, meaning that Game 2 is now do-or-die for the Mets. 

Jacob deGrom it is, for Game 2.

How bizarre was the Scherzer start? In his 421 career starts, he's given up four HR and 7 ER only one other time (six years ago). In fact, that combination 4 HR/7 ER has only been given up once before in baseball postseason history (in 1939!). 

"Baseball can take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This is one of the lowest of lows."

-Max Scherzer after Game 1 @SNYtvpic.twitter.com/J1orxtyIx6

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 8, 2022

"Baseball can take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This is one of the lowest of lows," Scherzer lamented. 

So deGrom, the other Cy Young winner the Mets can roll out—who left his last start early with a blister—will not have that extra day of rest, or the chance to start a Game 1 of an NLDS. He will instead be on the mound with the Mets' season on the line Saturday night. The San Diego Padres will counter with Blake Snell.

It'll be deGrom's first playoff start since 2015. “I’m excited. I love pitching here,” deGrom said. “This is a great atmosphere to play in. Fans have been great to me. I’m excited to go out there and see what I can do.”

And in fact, if a win isn't forthcoming, it could very well be his last start for those Mets fans, as he can opt-out of his contract and become a free agent after the season. 

“This is what you want,” first baseman Pete Alonso said. “Jacob deGrom in the playoffs.”

They just didn't want it so soon. 

Photo: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports