New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway announced before the game on Firday that Jason Vargas will make his rehab start on Monday for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s.
The veteran lefty struck out 12 in six hitless innings in an intrasquad extended spring training game on Tuesday. He threw 82 pitches in the outing.
Vargas broke the hamate bone in his non-throwing hand during Spring Training after being hit by a comebacker. Shortly after he had surgery that was expected to keep him out for a short period.
The 35-year-old signed with the Mets this offseason on a two-year deal with a third year option as rotation depth. He went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and was an All-Star for the Kansas City Royals in 2017.
Matt Harvey is the obvious (6.00 ERA) current weak spot in the Mets rotation for when Vargas is ready to return to the big leagues.
The Mets could simply skip Harvey’s next start with an off day on Monday and Vargas would then slot into Saturday the April 28 on regular rest, when the Mets need a fifth starter again.
