Walker Lockett‘s 2019 season with the New York Mets started with necessity. The Mets came into the season with very little quality depth in their pitching staff. Lockett was one of the many Mets pitchers who saw time in the big leagues because the options were weak.
Walker Lockett earned his first Major League win today and was…rewarded?… with one of the Mets' "Special Showers" pic.twitter.com/eVqZVaJmKd
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 20, 2019
Lockett came to the Mets in the Kevin Plawecki trade, which also brought Sam Haggerty to Flushing. He started the season in the minor leagues and waited until June 20 to make his Mets debut. In his start, he was shelled by the Chicago Cubs for six runs in 2.1 innings pitched.
Back and Forth on the Shuttle
Lockett’s next start against the Phillies started with more success, allowing two runs over his first five innings. In the sixth, he ran out of gas with a 5-2 lead and left with runners on second and third. The bullpen allowed his two baserunners to score, putting a damper on a solid start. Lockett was optioned for Chris Mazza the following day.
Walker Lockett was just what the doctor ordered today. ??? #MetsWin pic.twitter.com/4hJh9SwT2U
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 20, 2019
His best outing came a month later when he threw five shutout innings against the San Francisco Giants. It was his first major league win, but unfortunately, Lockett went back to Syracuse for Zack Wheeler. His services were needed once again for the second game of a doubleheader on August 5, and he struggled, allowing eight hits and four runs in 4.2 innings pitched.
Bullpen Duty
When the rosters expanded in September, Lockett found himself in the Mets bullpen. He was unsuccessful in the role, allowing six runs in 5.1 innings pitched. Lockett also allowed three home runs in those outings.
Past the current group of six major league starters the Mets have, Lockett seemed to be the next option following them. Spring Training could allow a different name to emerge from the minors, but as of now, Lockett is the option the Mets will call upon. There is very little depth in the Mets starting pitching, and if they can keep their core starters healthy, it will limit the number of appearances Lockett has to make in 2020.
Grades:
Pitching Repertoire: D, Nothing special with any of his pitches. Fastball is anywhere from 91-95, with a change and curve.
Control: B+, Only 2.4 BB/9, but struggled with curveball and change-up command.
Composure: D-, Six home runs allowed on the season and failed to put guys away in big situations.
Intangibles: A
Overall: F, If it were not for his win against the Giants, his ERA would be even closer, if not over ten.