With the news that left-hander Steven Matz has been scratched altogether from starting against the Phillies because of back stiffness, manager Terry Collins announced on Wednesday night that left-hander Sean Gilmartin will start for the Mets on Thursday during the series finale at Citizens Bank Park.
The start of the game has been moved up to 12:05 PM to try and avoid the brunt of the heavy rains and storm system that is making its way to the Philadelphia area sometime around the early evening.
Backing up Gilmartin after an expected four inning work load, or piggy-backing him if you will, is right-hander Tim Stauffer.
Gilmartin, who has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets this season after being selected in last year’s rule 5 draft, will be making his first career major league start. In 49 relief appearances this season. Gilmartin has a 2.58 ERA and 1.223 WHIP with a 8.8 K/9 and 2.53 FIP in 52.1 innings.
