Mets pitcher Max Scherzer scratched from Tuesday's start due to neck spasms

New York Mets starter Max Scherzer continues to struggle in his second year with the team. He was scratched from his Tuesday start due to neck spasms, the team announced hours before its game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Mets called up lefty David Peterson to start in Scherzer's place.

It marks yet another disappointing development for Scherzer. After giving up eight earned runs across his first two starts, Scherzer put up a scoreless performance against the San Diego Padres on April 10.

He was off to a strong start against his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in his next start before he was ejected from the contest after three innings when umpires suspected he was using an illegal substance to get a better grip on the ball. Scherzer received a 10-game suspension for his actions.

Scherzer returned Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers but allowed six earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings.

He has a 5.56 ERA over five starts this season.

Scherzer trying to get back on track in 2023

It has been an uncharacteristic start to the season for Scherzer, who posted a 2.29 ERA over 145 1/3 innings last season. Scherzer, 38, put up exceptional numbers during his six-and-a-half-year run with the Washington Nationals from 2015 to 2021. His numbers have been strong since leaving Washington as well, though injuries limited his innings in 2021 and 2022.

It's unclear how long Scherzer will be sidelined due to this neck issue.