The New York Mets‘ rotation is currently decimated after right-hander Marcus Stroman decided to opt out of the season even before making a start. Remember he is currently nursing a left calf tear and was about to return when he decided, together with his family, that the best course of action for him was to avoid any potential contact with COVID-19.
Jacob deGrom remains the Mets’ ace, and Rick Porcello is turning his season around after a disastrous start. Rookie David Peterson has been OK in his three turns, but Michael Wacha is also on the shelf with right shoulder inflammation.
That means that there is an opening for someone to take over as a starter for the New York Mets. Tomorrow’s game has no probable starter.
The Mets have several candidates
According to a report from Mike Puma of the New York Post, the New York Mets are giving “strong consideration” to Walker Lockett to make Wednesday’s start. Other candidates to take over the vacating spot in the rotation are Ariel Jurado, Franklyn Kilome, Easmo Ramirez and reliever Robert Gsellman.
Before Tuesday’s tilt, the Mets reinstated both Lockett and reliever Brad Brach from the injured list, and sent reliever Paul Sewald and third catcher Ali Sanchez to the team’s alternate training site in Brooklyn to make room for them on the active roster.
Lockett started the year on the injured list and hasn’t participated in any games in the 2020 season. He has been keeping his arm sharp at the Mets’ alternate training site, though. He is 26 years old and hasn’t had much success in the majors: he had a 9.60 ERA with the San Diego Padres in 2018 and an 8.34 mark with the Mets last year.
The Mets are looking to gain some ground in the National League East standings after a nightmarish start.