When will the Mets promote their top prospect amidst the rotation changes?
The New York Mets are facing rotation changes and injuries to their starting pitchers, which has raised the question of when they will promote their top prospect. The team usually prefers to give their pitching prospects time to establish themselves at Triple A before bringing them up to the major league. However, if a pitcher impresses early on at the Triple A level and there is a growing need with the major-league club, the Mets may be open to promoting someone with little experience at Triple A.
One player to watch is Christian Scott, a 24-year-old right-hander who is rated as the organization’s top pitching prospect. In his start for Triple-A Syracuse last week, Scott showed promise by allowing three earned runs in four innings while recording nine strikeouts, no walks, and an impressive 19 swings-and-misses on 82 pitches. Although Scott has only made one start in Triple A so far, the Mets recognize that there may be times when the need at the major-league level overrides a prospect’s timeline.
The Mets have not reached a point where they must promote Scott yet, as Jose Buttó continues to be a strong candidate for promotion. However, the team is running thin on options, especially after designating veteran starting pitcher Julio Teheran for assignment after his poor performance in his first start with the club. Teheran’s departure leaves a gap in the rotation that needs to be filled.
Buttó is a potential replacement and has been mentioned as a candidate. Additionally, lefty Joey Lucchesi remains in Triple A as the Mets’ only other healthy option outside of their prospects. Of the three prospects, Scott holds the most upside. The team is also waiting on injured depth starters David Peterson and Max Kranick to get healthy.
The Mets’ rotation has pitched relatively well, with a 2.76 ERA that ranked fourth in the majors. However, they have not provided much quantity in terms of innings pitched. The lack of innings has burdened the team’s bullpen, which led to Teheran’s designation for assignment. The bullpen has been overused, and the Mets promoted 27-year-old reliever Dedniel Núñez to provide some relief.
The Mets had considered using a sixth starter during this portion of their schedule, but it doesn’t seem to be a priority at the moment. The team is focused on getting through a stretch of playing many games in a row and hopes that everyone stays healthy and continues to pitch well. However, if the Mets struggle or experience more injuries, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them turn to someone like Scott earlier than expected.
In conclusion, the Mets are facing rotation changes and injuries, which has raised questions about when they will promote their top prospect, Christian Scott. While the team usually prefers to give their pitching prospects time to develop at Triple A, they may be open to promoting someone with little experience if there is a pressing need at the major-league level. Scott has shown promise in his recent start, but the Mets have other options like Jose Buttó and Joey Lucchesi. The team is also waiting for injured starters to get healthy. The lack of innings from the rotation has burdened the bullpen, leading to roster changes. Although a sixth starter is not currently a priority, the Mets may turn to Scott earlier than expected if they struggle or face more injuries.