ST. LOUIS — Taijuan Walker is ready to make the next one count.
After pitching four innings that consisted of 64 pitches in a simulated game on Monday at Busch Stadium, the Mets right-hander anticipated a return to the rotation this weekend.
“I like where I’m at right now,” Walker said before the Mets faced the Cardinals.
Walker, who has spent the past two weeks on the injured list following a diagnosis of bursitis in his right shoulder, will face the Phillies on the next homestand. According to manager Buck Showalter, that appearance won’t come before Saturday. Tylor Megill will pitch on normal rest for Friday’s series opener.
Walker said he can likely stretch out to 85 pitches for his return.
Taijuan WalkerAPThe Mets had no immediate results on Jacob deGrom, who underwent an MRI exam Monday for the stress reaction on his right scapula. DeGrom underwent a CT scan on Friday, the results of which are also under evaluation.
DeGrom opened the season on the injured list, after he was shut down from throwing in spring training. The Mets are hopeful he will be cleared to begin throwing and build up for a return to the rotation.
Showalter said he spoke to deGrom during the Mets’ last homestand and all indications were the right-hander was feeling good about the situation.
Tomas Nido started behind the plate for a fourth straight Max Scherzer start on Monday, but Showalter said the right-hander is “fine” throwing to James McCann.
“Max has never voiced to me either way,” Showalter said. “Max is not really an excuse guy. I think we will end up there [with McCann], but Mac may catch the next two days and I didn’t want to make it three days, it didn’t really feel good.”
Showalter was asked if it’s a coincidence Nido has started for each of Scherzer’s outings.
“I don’t know if it’s a coincidence,” Showalter said. “It’s something that has worked so far, but it’s something we will get away from at some point, I think.”
Bench coach Glenn Sherlock rejoined the team after missing 10 games following a positive COVID test.
