The Latest Breaking News from Max Scherzer

LOS ANGELES — The strain had been evident for almost a year.

Don’t look now, but Mets fans might have reason for optimism this season.

ST. LOUIS --

NEW YORK — One strikeout, followed by another whiff, and then another. Suddenly, nine consecutive batters retired, including 17 of the last 18. This was getting real; Max Scherzer had the look.

CLEVELAND — With an 8-1 win Sunday against the Guardians, the San Francisco Giants secured their first sweep of the season, won their fifth straight game and improved to 7-2. Here are some takeaways from their red-hot start to the season.

NEW YORK — Fifteen years ago, Alex Cohen knew something was wrong. Always smiling and upbeat, she was used to being on her feet all day, hardly ever slowing down or pacing herself. Now, her foot constantly hurt, she experienced memory loss and fatigue, and other neurological issues. At times,…

Major League Baseball projects Opening Day payrolls at about $4.5 billion, up almost 10% from the previous high of approximately $4.1 billion.

The average salary in the major leagues rebounded to $4.4 million on opening day, boosted by a frenzy of free agent signings before and after the 99-day lockout, according to a study of baseball contracts by The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — It wasn’t the cleanest baseball game the Mets will play this year, but they at least overcame their bullpen headache, managing to leave their first road trip of the year on a high note.

PHILADELPHIA — If Tylor Megill’s first terrific start of the season was just a trial-run against a rebuilding Nationals team, then his second outing of the year against a loaded Phillies lineup was a big test. Megill, again unflappable, passed with flying colors.

He’s a homegrown slugger with a marketable brand all his own. He and New York soon will find out how much that’s worth.