New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mets ace Max Scherzer won't return Sunday vs. Marlins

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/24/22

Fans of the New York Mets will have to wait a little longer to see ace Max Scherzer back on the bump against an MLB opponent.

Scherzer has been out of the big-league rotation since he first suffered an oblique strain back on May 18 but completed what was widely considered to be a successful rehab start with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Tuesday night that presumably had him on track to face the Miami Marlins this Sunday.

However, SNY notes that manager Buck Showalter told reporters before Friday's series opener in Miami that Scherzer won't be activated off the injured list for Sunday's contest. Showalter added Scherzer could pitch "somewhere" on Monday or Tuesday, which suggests the three-time Cy Young Award winner may need another rehab appearance early next week.

Buck Showalter details the plan for Max Scherzer's next appearance:

"He's making the progress he should be. We're getting closer." pic.twitter.com/VjaMsdA6OX
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 24, 2022

"I went out there and accomplished what I thought I was going to do," Scherzer said after his rehab start on Tuesday, according to Nick Aguilera of the MLB website. "I was able to step on a few fastballs. I thought that was a good thing. I was able to throw all my pitches."

Scherzer went 5-1 with a 2.54 ERA in eight starts before the injury.

Additionally, Mets starting right-hander Carlos Carrasco may need an extra day of rest after he experienced lower-back tightness during Wednesday's game at the Houston Astros:

Buck says Carlos Carrasco (lower back tightness) should be good to make his next start with an extra day of rest.

This will be determined after his next in between start work day
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) June 24, 2022

Carrasco’s MRI showed no structural damage per Buck
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) June 24, 2022

Mets right-hander Tylor Megill is shut down from throwing for at least another three weeks due to a right shoulder strain, and ace Jacob deGrom may not make his season debut until after next month's All-Star break as he works to recover from the stress reaction in the scapula of his pitching shoulder that's kept him a spectator since before spring training ended.

Despite these setbacks, the 45-26 Mets began Friday holding a four-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings.

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