The New York Metsâ rotation has been a key component to their 45-27 start. But injuries have begun to test their fortitude.
The team announced Tuesday that right-hander Tylor Megill is headed to 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain.
Megill, 29, has been solid for New York, going 5-5 with a 3.95 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 68.1 innings. But he lasted just 3.2 innings in his most recent start, Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing six runs (three earned) on seven hits in an 8-4 loss.
According to Newsday’s Laura Albanese, tests revealed inflammation but no ligament damage in Megillâs pitching elbow. He will be shut down for seven to 10 days and then be reevaluated.
Megillâs injury further tests the depth of New Yorkâs pitching, which has held up relatively well through the seasonâs first two-plus months.
Tylor Megill Joins Kodai Senga on IL
Kodai Senga may boast the most potential in the Metsâ rotation, but the former Japanese star landed on the IL last week with a hamstring injury. Subsequent tests revealed a Grade 1 strain, which was relatively encouraging news given the circumstances. Still, Senga, who leads the National League with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts, is expected to be out until July at the earliest.
Megill had struggled recently, allowing at least four runs in five of his last eight starts. Given that, itâs possible his days in the rotation were already numbered. Right-hander Frankie Montas (right lat strain) is nearing the end of his minor league rehab assignment, and left-hander Sean Manaea (oblique strain) is seemingly close behind.
Still, the Mets may need to piece things together in the meantime. Their current rotation consists of Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Griffin Canning, and Paul Blackburn.
Mets Leads Majors in Team ERA
Despite lacking a proven workhorse, New Yorkâs rotation has been among baseballâs best. The Mets entered Tuesday first in the majors in ERA (2.97) and sixth in strikeouts (636).
As such, the Mets headed into their pivotal three-game series against the Atlanta Braves with a 2.0-game lead atop the National League East and percentage points behind the 46-27 Detroit Tigers for the best record in baseball.
In a corresponding move, the Mets recalled reliever Justin Garza.
Megillâs next start was scheduled to be Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets could use an opener in his place or turn to one of multiple options in Triple-A.
Either way, the Metsâ rotation is suddenly stretched thin.
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