New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway isn’t open to the idea of relievers starting games, even with the struggling bullpen.
It’s safe to say one of the biggest issues for the New York Mets this year has been their bullpen. They have a reliable lineup and a good starting rotation, it’s just the relievers that are causing numerous problems. New York’s bullpen is currently ranked 27th in the MLB with a 5.38 ERA.
Before Tuesday’s game against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, Mets manager Mickey Callaway was asked about the idea of openers. This means the Mets would have a reliever start the game, with the starting pitcher coming onto the mound thereafter. It’s a strategy that would hopefully fix the problem the Mets have with giving up runs late in games.
However, Callaway doesn’t seem to be a fan of this idea.
“I don’t see a need to do it with any of our starters,” Callaway said, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. “They know they have a job to do and know they have a pitch count to get to, and they are going to get to those pitch counts.”
What may even be a bigger issue the Mets have regarding their pitching is the replacement for Noah Syndergaard for Thursday’s game against the Cubs. Syndergaard suffered a low-grade hamstring strain this past weekend and was placed on the 10-day injured list.
“Obviously what we do Thursday will be a unique spot in our rotation and depending on how long Noah is out,” Callaway said. “So those are kind of going to be openers anyway … because we are going to throw them out there and see how long they are effective. but I don’t think any of our other starters require it.”
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported on Wednesday morning that Walker Lockett will make his Mets debut on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Lockett is currently sporting a 3.28 ERA with Triple-A Syracuse.
