Report: Scherzer to Start Opening Day, Verlander to Start Home Opener

Max Scherzer will be the Mets Opening Day starter when they face off with the Marlins in Miami on March 30, according to a report from the New York Post’s Mike Puma.  Additionally, Puma reports that the team’s co-ace, Justin Verlander, will get the Mets home opener on April 6, also against the Marlins.

The Mets open up the season with seven road games in Miami and Milwaukee, meaning Verlander’s spot would come up on the 6th if he starts the team’s second game in Miami on the March 31, and the team uses a six-man rotation (likely consisting of Scherzer, Verlander, Kodai Senga, Carlos Carrasco, David Peterson, and Tylor Megill) to start the season.

When asked about the possibility of starter the Mets’ home opener after his spring start on Wednesday, Verlander said the day he pitches is not something he’s focused on.

Justin Verlander on maybe starting Mets' Home Opener:

"I don't know how things are lining up, I'm just taking the ball when they tell me to take it. Opening Day, Home Opener or any major league start, it's an honor. To be honest, it's not something I'm focused on whatsoever."

— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 15, 2023

Scherzer has made six previous Opening Day starts, all as a member of the Washington Nationals. He was slated to be the Mets Opening Day starter last season following the injury to Jacob deGrom, but was replaced by Megill after experiencing a hamstring injury.  Scherzer will become the Mets 28th all-time Opening Day starter. The Franchise Tom Seaver holds the franchise record with 11.

Mad Max’s likely opposition will be reigning National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, making for one of the days best starting pitching matchups on a slate filled with aces.

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