According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets could turn to one of Sean Gilmartin or Logan Verrett as a sixth starter during the first half of the season. I would also add Rafael Montero into that equation as well.
That is based on comments made by general manager Sandy Alderson on Wednesday, who said the organization plans to strategically use a sixth starter to keep their staff fresh in the first half of the season.
That is not to suggest that Mets starting pitchers will have and innings restrictions and limits imposed on them as was the case last season. That is not the issue at all. Most of the top four starters including Steven Matz should all be able to eclipse the 200 inning mark in 2016.
But these guys are still young, and there’s nothing wrong with keeping them fresh and strong. I would imagine the team will be keeping a close watch on Gilmartin, Verrett and Montero this Spring to see which of them will get the call when the team needs them. I expect all three to begin the season in the Triple-A Las Vegas rotation until that happens.
For now, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom. Noah Syndergaard and Matz will get plenty of work with Bartolo Colon serving as the fifth starter. Some time around July 1st, Zack Wheeler will join the rotation and probably push Colon into a long relief and spot starter role.
The Mets are in an incredibly ideal situation, boasting one of the top rotations in baseball and even having all their bases covered with quality depth and contingency plans if needed. This is going to be so fun and exciting to watch.
Bonus: A Text Conversation I Had
Met Fan – I love what Zack Wheeler said about throwing inside in that interview you posted.
Joe – Could it be we now have two Bob Gibson and Pedro Martinez “Don’t Crowd My Fu*king Plate” type pitchers?
Met Fan – With the velocity these guys throw with, that should be all of their strategies.
Joe – Guys that throw 98 usually have good careers. Guys that throw 98 and own the inside part of the plate go to the Hall of Fame in my opinion.
Met Fan – Yep, throwing inside is what makes the slider/curve a more effective pitch and makes a pitch on the outside half tougher to handle because in the hitter’s mind he is worried about getting jammed on the inside pitch.
