Max Scherzer’s first pitch was a wake-up call for Joe West

Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Max Scherzer sent an unintentional message to Joe West with his first pitch in the NL Wild Card Game. 

Long-time umpire Joe West will retire at the end of the 2021 MLB season, but not before Max Scherzer gets to take a shot at him. In the NL Wild Card Game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals, Scherzer took the mound for Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium in the winner-takes-all game and immediately sent a message to Joe.

West is known for making controversial calls, so it’s a disadvantage for both teams that he’s behind the plate in an important Wild Card game in California. There’s a high chance that one of the top storylines from Wednesday night’s game will involve a call made my Joe.

Max Scherzer nearly hit Joe West with the first pitch in the NL Wild Card Game

If West wasn’t fully awake prior to Wednesday’s playoff game, he is now. Thanks to Max.

Was that a threat? Or was it Scherzer simply trying to make sure that Joe is on his A-game tonight? Does West even have an A-game?

It doesn’t seem like West was too happy with Max’s wild first pitch, though. Joe has tightened the strike zone for Scherzer, making it nearly impossible for him to throw a strike.

The 68-year-old umpire is going out in typical Joe West style. There’s no need for the Cardinals to worry yet because now West is out with a vengeance for the Dodgers. That could easily change.

We have to give it to Joe for at least being consistent with his ability to wreck havoc each time that he steps out on the field.