Scherzer conducts in-game experiment to learn about pitch clock
New York Mets ace Max Scherzer doesn’t quite know all of the limits of the pitch clock, but he’s eager to push all of them until he figures them out.
Scherzer allowed seven unearned runs and none earned on five hits in two-plus innings Friday against the Washington Nationals in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
In the third inning, he was called for a balk and had a double play removed because of a pitch clock violation. Shortstop Luis Guillorme also made two uncharacteristic errors and all of this resulted in an eight-run inning.
Ildemaro Vargas singled to lead off the third inning and give Scherzer five additional seconds to work with for the next hitter, Victor Robles. Scherzer wanted to quickpitch Robles after he called his only timeout, but was called for a balk when home plate umpire Jeremy Riggs determined he threw the ball before the hitter was ready. Vargas advanced on the balk.
Robles managed a weak ground ball but it took a hop on Guillorme at shortstop and he couldn’t make the play.
With runners on the corners and none out, Scherzer held the ball until the clock hit 0:00 before throwing his first pitch to Riley Adams. This wasn’t exactly intentional but it did serve a purpose. Knowing that a shot clock in basketball goes below 0:00, Scherzer wanted to find out if it was the same in baseball.
Adams managed a weak ground ball that was turned for a double play but the umpires called it back because as it turns out, the clock doesn’t go below 0:00 in baseball.
“That’s one thing I also want to make sure we clean up on the rules,” Scherzer said. “I want to make sure it’s not 0:00 the moment it hits 0:00 or is there a little time? I was able to get clarification on that, but that was my mistake; I just didn’t keep track of time in that split-second.”
Robles swiped second and Scherzer worked the count to 1-2. He came set and held on for so long that Adams took his timeout. Scherzer stayed set to be able to fire immediately and got Adams to strike out on a foul tip.
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Blue Jays: First baseman Vladimir Guerrero
AJr. will not compete for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic due to right knee discomfort. Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Saturday that an MRI revealed minor inflammation but no structural damage. Guerrero was hurt Friday while running the bases against the Rays at Dunedin. The Dominican Republic will begin play at the WBC on March 11 against Venezuela.
Rangers: Texas signed free agent reliever Will Smith to a one-year contract. Smith, a 33-yearold left-hander, split last season with Atlanta and
AHouston, finishing 0-3 with a 3.97 ERA and five saves in 65 appearances. He was an All-Star with San Francisco in 2019. The Rangers designated infielder Mark Mathias for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Rockies: Colorado signed free agent reliever
Brad Hand. The 32-yearold left-hander was 3-2 with a 2.80 ERA and five saves in 55 appearances with Philadelphia last season. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rockies moved righthander Tyler Kinley (elbow surgery) to the 60-day injured list.
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