Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets have received little to no consistency from their starters, which has resulted in the team quickly sinking out of the playoff race in the National League. With the team now six games under .500, it certainly makes sense to change something in the rotation.
Tylor Megill has struggled for a majority of this season, and Wednesday’s start against the Houston Astros was another tough day for the right-hander. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs, four of which were earned, on four hits and four walks. Megill received a no-decision for his efforts, leaving him with a 6-4 record with a 5.17 ERA in 71 1/3 innings.
He [Megill] was understandably frustrated with his performance when speaking to the media after the game. “To say the least, just very frustrated and [ticked] off about it,” said Megill, who also used the word “embarrassing” in describing his outing. “I just need to trust my stuff, go out there and fill it up, know I’m better than the person standing across from me. Just go out and do it.”
Buck Showalter and the Mets have given Megill opportunity after opportunity to figure it out and still, the young starter cannot seem to discover any sort of rhythm. With that being said, it is time for Joey Lucchesi to return to the big league rotation. He was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for retiring 20 out of 22 batters he faced in his last start against the Buffalo Bisons. Overall, Lucchesi has a 2.33 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in eight Triple-A starts.
The left-hander made five major league starts between Apr. 21 and May 13, going 1-0 with a 4.43 ERA in 22 1/3 innings. Lucchesi has a 1.34 WHIP in the big leagues this season compared to Megill’s 1.67 WHIP. One start (4 IP, 3 ER) of Lucchesi’s came on an unwise three days rest.
Lucchesi did a remarkable job in his first outing, throwing seven scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants. That would be his only quality start, as he struggled the rest of the way before returning to Triple-A Syracuse.
Most, if not all of the pitching staff has struggled for the Mets in 2023, but it has been tougher for Megill. The Mets need to make a change, as soon. Otherwise, New York is going to create a bigger hole for itself. Lucchesi has pitched well in Syracuse, and he deserves another chance in the big leagues.
