Scherzer appreciates Harvey's accomplishments

NEW YORK -- Just more than a month ago, Max Scherzer started for the American League in the All-Star Game at Citi Field. Starting for the National League was Mets phenom Matt Harvey. On Saturday, they'll have the chance to pitch against each other once again.

"It is fun, because you're facing the best," Scherzer said. "You don't measure yourself against the worst -- you measure yourself against the best. Obviously he's one of the best in the NL right now. It's just always fun to compete against guys of that caliber."

Scherzer has put together a tremendous season for the Tigers. The right-hander is 18-1 with a 2.82 ERA. Meanwhile, Harvey has a 9-4 record and 2.25 ERA.

Although Scherzer hasn't seen too much of Harvey in person, he's been impressed by what Harvey's been able to accomplish.

"Really, everything he's been able to do. You can't pinpoint one thing he's done well. He's done everything well," Scherzer said. "He strikes guys out, doesn't walk guys, pitches deep into the games."

Detroit right fielder Torii Hunter said he remembers seeing how good Harvey was when the Tigers faced him during Spring Training. He heard all the talk about Harvey being the former first-round pick, and having to step into the batter's box against Harvey was as tough as Hunter heard it would be.

"In my first at-bat, he blew my bat up," Hunter said. "I was like, 'This guy's got good stuff, boys.' He's as good as advertised."

Scherzer said he doesn't focus too much on how well someone like Harvey is pitching.

"You see who's at the top. You always want to be at the top," Scherzer said. "That's just everybody's competitive nature. For me, you can't get caught up in other people's stuff. The only thing I can control is how good my pitches are and what I can do to pitch better."