Mets option veteran RHP to Triple-A after 9–6 loss to Astros

The New York Mets have sent down starting pitcher Tylor Megill to Triple-A Syracuse following their 9-6 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com broke the news via X shortly after the decision was made on Saturday night (h/t SNY’s John Healy):

News: after tonight's game, the Mets optioned Tylor Megill to Triple-A Syracuse, per source. They can backfill his spot with a reliever to help a short bullpen over the coming days.

They have this luxury thanks to Christian Scott/José Buttó, who can fill in next rotation turn.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 30, 2024

Mets: Tylor Megill has not done enough since returning from injury to retain big league role

Megill missed an extended period of time between April 1 and May 19 with a right shoulder strain. Since returning to the Mets’ lineup on May 20 against the Cleveland Guardians, the 28-year-old has gone 2-4 in six starts. He’s produced an underwhelming 5.16 ERA in that time.

Though he’s tossed 39 strikeouts over that course of time, Megill’s performance on the mound has also led to two of the Mets’ seven losses in their red-hot 16-7 month of June, counteracting the two wins he put on the board for them in that span.

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Megill’s stuff proves he can bounce back from up-and-down play with a minor-league stint

Megill’s stuff has been there for him in 2024. His 95.6 mph fastball velocity has placed him in the 77th percentile at his position and his 28 percent strikeout percentage has put him at an even greater 86th percentile on the season. For some reason, those peripherals have not harmoniously come together to produce wins and play that would instill enough confidence in his Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who had this sour-sweet response to his showing against the Astros after the loss, per Healy:

“I thought Megill was OK,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after the game. “Showed flashes, fastball had good life. [He] threw some good splits. …They’ve got good hitters, put together good at-bats. We couldn’t put them away today.”

“OK” is never a confidence-boosting appraisal to hear, so Megill will now get time to polish weak spots in his repertoire in the minor leagues until his next call-up opportunity arises.