Watch: Max Scherzer hurls playful jibe at former Mets teammate Pete Alonso from Rangers dugout
Veteran Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer has yet to make his debut this season for the reigning World Series champions but it's hard to keep the three-time Cy Young winner away from action. Scherzer was seen chirping at former New York Mets teammate Pete Alonso during Monday's game at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers' pitching rotation was under the pump from the get-go against a red-hot Mets hitting order. A six-run second inning from the Mets seemingly put the game out of reach for the hosts.
With the Mets leading the game 14-2, the home team put backup catcher Andrew Knizner on the mound in the ninth inning. Knizner's slow pitches were something of an anomaly for the Mets hitters.
Mets first baseman Pete Alonso walked after the All-Star slugger worked up the ball count by refusing to swing against anything out of the strike zone. Scherzer, watching from the Rangers dugout, was amused by it and started hurling jibes at Alonso, who wore a cheeky smile on his face after hearing his former teammate's reaction.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, had a brief stint with the New York Mets after signing a $130 million contract in 2021 with a $43.3 million AAV, the largest for a pitcher in MLB history. He shared the clubhouse with Pete Alonso during his time before being traded to the Rangers last year.
Max Scherzer looks back at his decision to leave Mets
Max Scherzer's trade to the Texas Rangers was triggered after the veteran pitcher waived his no-trade clause in July last year. He decided after the Mets' front office reportedly told him that the franchise was looking at the future.
“It was a baseball decision, everything that went down — decisions had to be made,” Scherzer said. “It was unfortunate I was in that position, but everybody had to make a baseball decision on all sides and for me it worked out well.” [via NY Post].
Scherzer played a crucial role in the Rangers' maiden World Series triumph last year, despite missing most of the postseason due to a back issue. The veteran ace doesn't hold anything against his former team.
The Rangers could use Max Scherzer's experience from the mound. The club conceded 22 hits on Monday against the Mets. The eight-time All-Star is expected to make his first start next week after recovering from a nerve issue in his thumb.