New York Mets’ starter Carlos Carrasco tore his right hamstring on Thursday during running drills, after throwing live batting practice. He was trying to get his arm in shape after a minor bout of elbow soreness last week, but his leg muscles betrayed him.
Now, the Mets will be without one of their best starters for the next six to eight weeks, possibly longer if they opt to go the safe route and not rush his recovery. Hamstring injuries can be extremely tricky to come back from.
The Mets will now have to restructure their rotation plans. Of course, Jacob deGrom is the unquestioned ace, Marcus Stroman will now follow him, and new signing Taijuan Walker should also be a lock to be part of the five starters.
What will the Mets do with their rotation now?
The question now will be how the Mets fill their remaining two spots until Carrasco comes back from his ailment. David Peterson impressed as a rookie last season with a 3.44 ERA, albeit with a 4.52 FIP and a 5.11 xFIP. He is expected to take one of the available spots, most likely the fourth.
As for the fifth spot in the New York Mets’ rotation, manager Luis Rojas will have to choose from two newcomers: Jordan Yamamoto and Joey Lucchesi. The latter was acquired via trade from the San Diego Padres, while the former was signed this offseason as a free agent.
Both are having terrific springs, but Lucchesi has the most extensive MLB experience. He is currently pitching to an immaculate ERA in Grapefruit League action, firing five scoreless innings with no hits allowed, three walks, and seven strikeouts.
Yamamoto, on the other hand, has a shiny 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings. He has been terrific, conceding seven hits and a single earned run, with one base on balls and five punchouts.
The Mets are apparently in good position to absorb the blow of losing Carrasco for several weeks.