Ed Delany/MMO
As the New York Mets’ pitching staff continues to fluctuate due largely to injuries, two moves were necessitated on Sunday.
Franklyn Kilome and Drew Smith have rejoined the Mets, replacing Steven Matz and Dellin Betances who both went on the injured list.
Matz was making his first relief appearance on Saturday but it was cut short after an inning due to shoulder discomfort. Betances saw a noticeable drop in velocity in his outing, which was the second of back-to-back days on the mound.
Smith rejoins the Mets for the first time since Aug. 12 when he made his last appearance. On the season, he has allowed two runs (both earned) over six innings. He has also stranded four of six inherited runners.
Kilome has made two long relief appearances. He pitched four innings against Atlanta on Aug. 1. He then got a three-inning save against Miami on Aug. 17 despite grappling with his command. Kilome issued five walks that day.
The Mets have gone through a lot of moving parts since injuries ravaged their rotation. Coming into Sunday, New York ranks 15th in innings pitched per start and most of that is because of Jacob deGrom.
The bullpen has been stretched in a lot of outings and with Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo still being stretched out after recently being added to the rotation, it’s led to a lot of innings of late for the ‘pen.
The Mets have 10 consecutive games before their next off day on Sept. 10.
