During the 2018 season, Corey Oswalt received the opportunity to start multiple games for the New York Mets. The chances in 2019 were very minimal to a point where his only two outings of the season came from the bullpen.
Corey Oswalt put forth his best start of the season yesterday for Syracuse: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K.
Now has a 2.28 ERA, 0.97 WHIP in 4 outings.
If the #Mets could just find a way to get him three or four starts in a row, I still think he can prove himself as a big leaguer. pic.twitter.com/et8vjT7FBA
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) May 13, 2019
Oswalt saw his velocity increase during Spring Training, which gave the Mets hope in their starting pitching depth. He made two different trips to the big league roster, making one appearance each time. Oswald’s first came in Atlanta when Jason Vargas could not escape the first inning against the Braves. He allowed five runs in 3.2 innings of long relief.
Exile to the Minors
His final outing of the season came on April 26, where he allowed four runs in three innings to the Milwaukee Brewers in a 10-2 loss. Oswalt had two other recalls throughout the season but only lasted a game before he went back to Syracuse, or the season ended.
Mets P prospect Corey Oswalt gave up 3 runs or less for 2 straight months spanning 10 starts. Good to see.
— Ernest Dove (@ernestdove) August 31, 2019
It was interesting that the Mets did not give Oswalt a chance to pitch in the bullpen with all the injuries they had or even make the starts Walker Lockett received. In Syracuse, he was 10-4 with a 2.82 ERA over 18 starts. The numbers were indeed there, but the Mets refused to pull the trigger. The Mets are focused on keeping him a starter, but the only way he cracks the rotation in 2020 is due to an injury.
Grades:
Pitching Repertoire: C, Fastball velocity increased, and his change-up showed swing and miss potential.
Control: F, Uncharacteristically walked six batters in 6.2 innings.
Composure: N/A
Intangibles: A
Overall: F, It will be interesting to see what the Mets do with Oswalt in 2020.