Mets RHP Max Scherzer has advanced to bullpen sessions as he works his way back from a high-grade internal oblique strain, reports Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated.

SNY's Andy Martino can confirm the SI report.

Scherzer was placed on the IL on May 21, retroactive to May 19, with the Mets saying at the time that the expectation was that Scherzer would miss six-to-eight weeks.

Today is the three-week mark of that time frame, meaning Scherzer could be three-to-five weeks from returning.

But with Scherzer already throwing bullpen sessions and possibly facing batters next before beginning a rehab assignment, it seems he might be back closer to that six-week mark than the eight-week mark.

Scherzer was recently bitten by his dog on his pitching hand, but said shortly after that it would have no impact on his rehab.

Speaking on June 2, Mets manager Buck Showalter said Scherzer was "doing well" and that his rehab was "right where it's supposed to be."

Along with Scherzer, Jacob deGrom is potentially nearing a rehab assignment, having recently thrown off a mound for the first time since being shut down in April due to a shoulder injury.

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