Mets take hit with injuries to deGrom, Scherzer

NEW YORK (AP) — By pairing Max Scherzer with Jacob deGrom, the New York Mets figured they aced their offseason.

Then spring training dealt them a dreaded hand — when both got injured during the final week of camp.

“With time, things heal,” new general manager Billy Eppler said in Florida.

New York can only hope so.

First came the frustrating news about deGrom, who didn’t pitch after July 7 last season due to a sprained elbow. Imaging showed a stress reaction on his right shoulder blade that caused inflammation. He won’t throw for up to four weeks and is likely out at least through May.

“He’s disappointed. We’re disappointed. Everybody is sharing in the disappointment right now. Nobody’s immune to that,” Eppler said.

The next day, Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled outing in a simulated game because of a right hamstring issue and said he wasn't sure when he would pitch again.

The 37-year-old Scherzer and deGrom, 33, have combined to win five Cy Young Awards. Boasting that 1-2 pitching punch, the Mets were carrying enormous expectations (and a soaring payroll) into 2022 after their latest winter overhaul — on the field and off.

Buck Showalter takes over on the bench, back in the Big Apple to manage his fifth major league team.

All-Star starter Chris Bassitt joins the rotation, and newcomer Starling Marte brings speed and power to the outfield.

Bassitt was acquired from Oakland via trade, but Scherzer, Marte, outfielder Mark Canha, third baseman Eduardo Escobar and reliever Adam Ottavino all arrived in an offseason spending spree orchestrated by Eppler.

Extremely eager to win, second-year owner Steve Cohen reached into his deep pockets and committed nearly $260 million to those five free agents during a winter