Max Scherzer has had a tumultuous start to his Major League career. In just two and a half seasons the fireballer has moved from starter to reliever, back to starter, to Detroit, to an unexpected Triple-A stint in Toledo and back to Detroit.
Such instability in the career of a young starter, especially one prone to control issues, makes finding repeatable success more than unlikely; it makes it impossible – just ask Brandon Morrow.
Ever since the demotion, Scherzer has been a new man. You’ll recall his triumphant return to the mound on May 30 against Oakland when he struck out 14 Athletics over just 5.2 innings, earning his second win of the season. That outing was just the beginning. In Scherzer’s eight starts since his recall he’s gone 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a Strasburg-esque 10.80 K/9. He’s also reeled off six straight quality starts, allowing just three earned runs over his last 27.2 IP. His ERA has plummeted from 7.29 before the demotion to a respectable 4.61 at the break.
The most startling change in Scherzer’s performances has been the drastic increase in velocity.
At the time of his demotion, Scherzer’s average velocity was at a career low. Just 15 innings in Toledo seemed to remedy the situation as Scherzer’s fastball is back up to speeds seen during his days with the D-Backs, and the past month and a half have been Scherzer’s longest period of sustained success in the Majors. The reason? His walk rate since June 1 is down – albeit only slightly – to 2.96 BB/9 (career 3.35) and his opponents’ average over that same span is down to .230 (career .254).
Scherzer has a history of running hot and cold, but like we’ve seen with Morrow, a pitcher with a similar career path, perhaps he’s starting to figure things out. Stay on the wagon until he strings together two or three poor outings and then be prepared to jump ship. Until then, enjoy the ride.
No comments yet.