Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski of USA Today

Poor performances mixed in with an elbow injury contributed to a difficult start to the season for Carlos Carrasco. The right-hander was 0-2 with an 8.68 ERA through four starts as the Mets searched for any kind of stability at the backend of their starting rotation. Carrasco seems to have turned a corner over the last week, though, producing quality outings in back-to-back starts. After a great showing at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs last week, he was extremely effective in their 4-1 over the Philadelphia Phillies.

On Wednesday night, the veteran pitcher was able to limit the damage against the struggling Phillies. Carrasco threw six innings, allowing one run to score on six hits with four strikeouts. The only blemish on his night came in the top of the third when Edmundo Sosa hit a solo home run to left field. That would be all the Phillies got off Carrasco, who was able to make the big pitch with runners on base for the remainder of his start.

“It’s been great, my last two starts,” Carrasco said. “Let’s say my first two starts were okay, my last two were really good, and as I said before, I’m continuing to work on myself every day to get better, and that’s why I have those results and those last two games.”

The Mets have had their fair share of issues in the pitching department, as the team ranks 24th in the league with a 4.62 ERA. But to their credit, Kodai Senga and Carrasco have steadied the ship and given the bullpen some much-needed rest over the last two nights. Some of their relievers have been used quite a bit over the last four to six weeks, so anytime a starter is able to throw six or seven innings, it certainly benefits the likes of David Robertson and Adam Ottavino.

Carrasco has dealt with a lot of adversity during his time with the Mets, but that has yet to stop him. “In the beginning, my elbow was okay and now it’s back to normal, it’s feeling really good so this is the kind of pitcher I am and I just want to continue to pitch this way for the whole season,” Carrasco said.