Scherzer: Starting unit is ‘backbone’ of team

Max Scherzer is determined to keep the team’s two highest profile starting pitchers from becoming their own separate unit within the Mets rotation.

So when the conversation turns to finally having himself and Jacob deGrom together, Scherzer is quick to mention Chris Bassitt, Taijuan Walker, Carlos Carrasco and others who have filled in, such as David Peterson and Trevor Williams.

“I feel like we are a unit and really doing well as a unit,” Scherzer said before Bassitt struck out eight over eight innings in the Mets’ 5-1 win over the Reds. “Going out there and providing quality starts to the team and being consistent. We are the backbone of the team. Let the hitters be the muscle and we’re the backbone. You can’t win without backbone.”

The Mets won four of five games against the Braves over the weekend and own a seven-game lead in the NL East thanks largely to the performances of Carrasco, Peterson, Scherzer and deGrom. The Mets’ lone loss in the series came after Walker incurred hip soreness when his cleat got caught in the turf on Friday. Walker, who allowed eight runs, departed in the second inning.

The best was saved for the final two games of the series. Scherzer fired seven shutout innings in the nightcap of a doubleheader Saturday. A day later, deGrom retired the first 17 batters he faced before allowing a two-run homer to Dansby Swanson.

Over 10 2/3 innings in his two starts since leaving the injured list, deGrom has struck out 18 batters and walked one, allowing only four hits.

“He is just picking up where he left off and he is ready to mow everybody down,” Scherzer said.

In recent seasons, deGrom has carried the aura of somebody capable of pitching a nohitter any time he walks to the mound. Though his pitch count still hasn’t elevated to the point a no-hitter is a realistic possibility (deGrom was removed after 76 pitches Sunday), his stuff suggests it might happen sooner rather than later.

“He kind of gives you that vibe,” Scherzer said.

Buck Showalter noted it took more than half the season for the Mets’ rotation to become whole.

“It’s been a long road to get here,” Showalter said. “If you think about some of the unknown with Carlos and Taijuan, really it’s one of the reasons why Billy [Eppler, general manager] and ownership got Chris Bassitt. The evolution of it, you think about Tylor Megill and Peterson, Trevor Williams, the things they have done along the way.”