Jason Vargas isn't going anywhere -- for now.
Mets manager Mickey Callaway declared that the embattled lefty will stay in the rotation and make his next start Saturday in St. Louis.
"We've got to get Vargas on a roll," Callaway said Sunday before the team's game in Atlanta.
That means the Mets are pushing him back a day, and he'll now slate into the rotation between Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
After Vargas allowed two earned runs on eight hit over five innings against the lowly Marlins in his first start of the season, he's been abysmal over his next two outings.
He surrendered four earned runs over one inning out of the bullpen against the Twins on April 9. With an abundance of off days early in thes season, the Mets skipped him in the rotation but saw it fit to insert him into an already-decided game.
On Friday, Vargas walked three and gave up two hits on his way to allowing four Braves runs while recording one out. After the outing, he expresed confusion -- but wouldn't pinpoint what exactly the confusing part was other than the poor results.
The Mets have limited rotation depth outside of deGrom, Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz. Signing free agent Dallas Keuchel remains an option, and some interior candidates might be worth a shot over Vargas at this point.
But for now, the team has its hands tied. And because that's the case, Vargas will get the ball again Saturday.
UPDATE (5:48 p.m.)
Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen confirmed that Vargas remains as the No. 5 starter.
"[Vargas] is a professional and we're excited about what he can do," he said. "I don't think we operate in the world of temptation. We like the guys we have here. We'll always monitor ways to get better, but we like the guys we have, including Jason Vargas."
And count pitching coach Dave Eiland as a Mets employee in Vargas' corner. He attributed the long layoff between starts as a potential explanation behind the struggles.
"Nobody can start every 11th day," Eiland said, per Yahoo Sports' Matt Ehalt. "It's tough. Jason Vargas proves when he pitches on regular rest, takes his regular turn like he did in the second half last year, he's pretty good."
During 11 second-half starts last year, Vargas was 5-3 with a 3.81 ERA.