The New York Mets will give the ball to a talented youngster, Chris Flexen, in their series finale against San Diego Thursday.

The New York Mets have announced that they will promote Chris Flexen to start in place of Zach Wheeler on Thursday.

Flexen is coming straight from Double-A Binghamton, where he’s gone 6-1 with a remarkable 1.66 ERA in seven starts.

He’s averaging just over a strikeout an inning this season (50 Ks in 48.2 innings at Double-A) and has the potential to continue his success in the majors thanks to a high-velocity fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a solid curveball.

This news most likely means that Tyler Pill, who was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas Monday, will be in the bullpen for the time being.

The Mets will need to make another roster move before Flexen joins the club later this week. With trade rumors swirling around closer Addison Reed, perhaps general manager Sandy Alderson believes he can strike a deal fairly quickly.

This next week will not only set the tone for this season but for 2018 as well. Will Alderson choose to retool with a young core, or keep his veterans and attempt one last run at the playoffs?