According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets will skip Jason Vargas‘ next turn in the rotation.
Mets manager Mickey Callaway said the team will take advantage of the upcoming off-days the Mets have (Monday), but still have Vargas throw a simulated game on Tuesday.
Callaway went on to say, “Having Vargas throw an extra rehab start or two (without a screen) might have been a good idea.”
The Mets have days off next Monday and Thursday giving them the flexibility to skip Vargas and keep their four best starters right now on a more regular schedule.
Vargas, 35, has been less-than-stellar this season, to say the least. In three starts (just 12.1 innings total), Vargas owns a 13.86 earned-run average with a 2.676 WHIP.
After pitching efficiently for the Kansas City Royals last year (18-11, 4.16 earned-run average, 1.33 WHIP, 2.31 strikeout-to-walk ratio) and earning a two-year, $16 million deal from the Mets in February, the left-hander hasn’t had such good fortune this season.
He broke the hamate bone in his non-pitching hand in Spring Training, then was possibly rushed back into the rotation a little too soon and has been downright shellacked this season.
The Mets won’t need Vargas to make a start until May 22 against the Marlins.
