Joey Lucchesi, Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

As reported by MMN‘s own Michael Mayer, the New York Mets will recall left-handed starting pitcher Joey Lucchesi. Mayer also reported Lucchesi was held out of his Wednesday start for Triple-A Syracuse in anticipation he would have to make this start for the Mets.

The Mets have needed starting pitching early on in the season. Justin Verlander and José Quintana began the year on the IL. Quintana is expected to be out until at least July with his bone graft surgery. Verlander has been throwing, but at the moment, it is not known when he will be able to return to the Mets rotation.

For the moment, Lucchesi will be taking the spot in the rotation held by Carlos Carrasco. After a difficult start to the season, Carrasco was diagnosed with right elbow inflammation. He received a cortisone injection, and the Mets are hoping that will help him avoid the need for surgery.

Lucchesi began the season with the Syracuse rotation. This was partially due to this being his first full season since he underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2021.

Lucchesi made three starts for Syracuse this season. He was 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA, 1.149 WHIP, 4.0 BB/9, and a 9.2 K/9. As noted by MMO‘s Mathew Brownstein, Lucchesi’s famed churve has been extremely effective with a 51.1 whiff%.

Lucchesi’s churve was a big part of his early success with the Mets back in 2021. In his last five starts before going on the IL, he had allowed just three earned runs and struck out 24 over 22 2/3 innings pitched.

With Lucchesi starting for Carrasco, it appears the Mets rotation currently reflects what the Syracuse rotation was supposed to be in 2023. With the aforementioned injuries, David Peterson and Tylor Megill began the season on the Opening Day roster.

Last week, Jose Butto started in place of Max Scherzer, who needed an extra day between starts. Now, Scherzer has been suspended for 10 days following his ejection for using an illegal substance. Scherzer has indicated he will not appeal the suspension.

As a result, 4/5 of the Mets rotation is currently comprised of starters who were supposed to be in Triple-A. As a result, the Mets starting pitching depth is already being tested. Moreover, it seems the Mets player development and scouting is going to get a chance to prove themselves.