As the Mets continue their long and arduous road trip, manager Carlos Mendoza made the pitching schedule clear before the team’s Wednesday night matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
After being mum on the subject a day ago, we now know who will start the White Sox series on Friday. The Mets skipper also gave some injury updates on a number of players…
The return of Tylor Megill
Despite Megill being the logical option, Mendoza finally revealed Wednesday that the big righty will start Friday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox.
Megill, who was demoted in early August, has made some strides in Triple-A and the Mets have noticed.
“The way he’s been throwing the ball,” Mendoza said of the decision. “I said it when we sent him down that he was going to be here and he’ll be a part of this team and here he is. He’s getting another opportunity and I’m excited for that.
“There’s a lot to like stuff-wise. When you look at a guy that throws as hard as he does and has as many pitches as he does it’s keeping it simple for him. Staying on the attack and simplifying the plan of attack against lefties, against righties and he’s done that at the Triple-A level... The reports are encouraging here.”
Since his most recent demotion, Megill has made three starts with Syracuse. His first start saw four runs allowed in five innings but his second saw four runs over 7.2 innings, but Megill struck out 11 batters in that contest.
In his most recent game on Aug. 24, Megill pitched 4.2 innings while allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out six batters.
Latest on Paul Blackburn, Sean Reid-Foley
Megill is set to be promoted due to Blackburn being placed on the 15-day IL over the weekend with a hand contusion.
Mendoza said that Blackburn continues to progress and is already playing catch and threw a bullpen Tuesday. The Mets skipper said that if he continues on this track, Blackburn will make a rehab start and be back when he’s eligible.
