Mets: Best internal option to replace Max Scherzer in rotation

The New York Mets are without Max Scherzer for 6-to-8 weeks. What should they do in the interim, if they don’t make a trade?

Scherzer’s absence will be felt not just in Queens, but the entire NL East. The Mets hold a sizable six-game lead in the division as of this writing, but they’re down Jacob deGrom and now Scherzer for the time being.

If there were ever a time for the likes of the Phillies and World Series champion Braves to strike, it’s now.

But what should the Mets do in the meantime to ensure they tread water in Scherzer’s absence? Yes, a trade would be ideal. But if not, New York has several replacements in their system that could work out just fine.

Mets: In-house replacement for Max Scherzer

When looking for an easy replacement for Scherzer, there is none. No pitcher will be able to single-handedly make up for his loss in production. But the Mets have to try.

Rising Apple site expert Tim Boyle gave his take on the situation, and came up with a couple names:

“David Peterson will be the guy most likely to replace Max Scherzer on the roster, however, he was already in line to do that for Tylor Megill. Given this, it’s Thomas Szapucki who is the best internal replacement for Scherzer.”

As Boyle notes, Peterson was called up to replace Megill. So he’s already filling in for one injured New York pitcher.

Szapucki is pitching to the tune of a 3.43 ERA in Triple-A Syracuse. He’s not perfect, but he does have some MLB experience. He appears next in line for the call-up, which New York will have to make shortly, assuming they place Scherzer on the injured list.