With Bartolo Colon only lasting 2.1 innings and only having thrown 47 pitches in his start on Monday against the Marlins, the Mets had originally flirted with bringing Colon back on Friday to pitch on short rest. The benefit of his pitching on Friday meant that he would be on his regular rest in case the Mets needed him to pitch the Wild Card Game next week.
The Mets have reversed course and have announced Colon will now pitch on Saturday against the Phillies on normal rest. It should be pointed out that earlier in the week, Terry Collins announced Colon has been dealing with a tendon issue in his right foot for about two weeks. With Colon pitching on Saturday, tonight’s starter will be Robert Gsellman.
If the Mets do not clinch one of the two Wild Cards by Sunday, the team is going to have to pitch Noah Syndergaard to try to secure their place in the postseason. If Syndergaard does have to pitch on Sunday, the Mets will be left with two options for the Wild Card Game: (1) Colon on three days rest; or (2) Seth Lugo on normal rest. In making this decision, it should be noted that Lugo was limited to 82 pitches in his last start as he has been experiencing fatigue as the Mets close out the season.
Obviously, the best case scenario would be the Mets clinching before Sunday so that Syndergaard only throws an inning or two as a tune-up for Wednesday’s Wild Card game.
