The New York Mets play a doubleheader today against the Cleveland Guardians, but the occasion is bigger than that. With a payroll surpassing $300 million, the Mets house among the greatest stars, offensively and defensively. And today, the two stars of their rotation, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, will prepare to rewrite history after over a decade and a half.
In a highly anticipated matchup, the New York Mets have made a historic move by starting two veteran pitchers against the Cleveland Guardians, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander.
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are preparing to make history!
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This rare occurrence marks the first time since August 1986 that a team has started two pitchers on the same day, both of whom have already surpassed the milestone of 200 career wins.
From @EliasSports, about Scherzer/Verlander starting for the NYM today: The last time a team started two pitchers on the same day who each had already won at least 200 games was in August 1986. Tommy John (264 wins) and Joe Niekro (213) started for the
Yankees in a doubleheader…— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 21, 2023
Taking a page from the past, legendary pitchers Tommy John and Joe Niekro achieved this feat for the New York Yankees in August 1986. While John lost the first game, Niekro won the second game of the day.
Notably, Scherzer will start in the morning game against the Guardians Tanner Bibee while Verlander will start in the evening against Shane Bieber.
The New York Yankees and New York Mets in 2023
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The Yankees’ season started off strong, but a few games down the line, with injuries swaying around their dugout, they went through a slump at the end of April, but have come back strong since and have won seven of their last ten games. Presently, they stand at number three in the AL East.
The Mets, on the other hand, especially based on their massive payroll, have been rather disappointing and stand third in the NL East at 0.500. But the Mets have gained ground over the past few days.
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Back to today’s doubleheader. Who will outperform whom? Will the Mets veteran Scherzer overpower 2022’s Cy Young winner and World Champion Verlander? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!