If you thought things couldn’t get worse for the New York Mets‘ starting rotation, well, think again. Right-hander Marcus Stroman, who is currently nursing a left calf tear that he suffered right before the start of the season, opted out of playing this year in a rather shocking turn of events.
Rookie left-hander David Peterson took his spot in the Mets’ rotation, but the team badly needed Stroman’s talent and experience as they try to dig out of an early-season hole and climb back to playoff contention.
Still, it is completely understandable that Stroman, who the New York Mets acquired prior to last season trade deadline, prefers to protect his health and his family.
“After much consideration and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to opt out of the remainder of the 2020 season. With all the unknowns and uncertainty due to the pandemic, this is the best decision for me and my family. I appreciate the Mets organization for their support and understanding, and look forward to returning to baseball next season,” he wrote in his official Twitter account.
The Mets rotation is severely weakened
The Mets rotation is currently in state of constant flux. Jacob deGrom remains the unquestioned ace, but losing Stroman and Noah Syndergaard (in March due to Tommy John surgery) stings. Rick Porcello is starting to turn it around after a rocky start, but now, to make matters worse, Michael Wacha is on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Someone among the Mets’ collection of arms, including Walker Lockett, Erasmo Ramirez, Ariel Jurado and others, will have to step up.
Stroman, who is currently 29 years old, is scheduled to test the free agency waters for the first time in his career after the season ends. He is expected to seek a multi-year pact, and it is not clear if the New York Mets will seek such a contract in the offseason.
For his career, Stroman has a 3.76 ERA and a 3.64 FIP, coupled with a 51-47 record, in 146 career games and 849.1 innings.