So to sum it up, the Rafael Montero experiment failed. In 13.1 innings he walked 15 batters and allowed 15 hits, pitching to a 2.250 WHIP and a 8.10 ERA. Those numbers are obviously pretty terrible, so Terry needs to find a way to fill the gap he left in the rotation.
With Steven Matz and Jacob deGrom coming back from injuries, Terry could fill that void with a Matz/deGrom 1-2 punch. Matz, 25, has been out since August 22nd with a left shoulder impingement, and deGrom, 28, has been out since September 1st with forearm soreness.
Steven Matz was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday but it was postponed due to the weather in Port St. Lucie. Jacob deGrom threw a 35-pitch session Monday and is making good progress. Terry Collins said that he doesn’t think a rehab start would be needed:
“As long as he’s healthy, as long as his arm is okay. We’ll certainly monitor the workload of that particular game, but if he’s throwing the ball like we know he can, he should get us through, and we’ve got ample guys behind him. We’re hoping that Steven will be ready at about maybe the same time.”
The Mets do have an off day Thursday, so they could opt to just skip that turn in the rotation altogether and bring Noah Syndergaard back on regular rest Sunday.
