Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
When the Mets found themselves just days away from Opening Day without their ace pitcher, they were left with an open roster spot.
That roster spot was not merely occupied – it has burst onto the scene – with Tylor Megill providing light to the Mets rotation that would have seemed impossible less than two weeks ago.
In his second start of the season, Megill delivered another superb outing, allowing just three hits, no walks, and most importantly – no runs – over 5 1/3 terrific frames.
The second-year starter and former eighth round draft pick from the University of Arizona was not supposed to be in this position. For a second, forget about the historic couple of starts that Megill has put up, which played a huge role in the Mets winning both those games. But Megill was on the outside looking in on the Mets roster, until deGrom and Max Scherzer both were unavailable to start last Thursday.
To say he has made the most of his opportunity would be a major understatement. Against Philadelphia, he mostly relied on his high-velocity fastball, topping out at 98.9 miles per hour but sitting in the 96 mph range throughout the evening. His changeup (30%) and slider (11%) were not utilized nearly as often, but nonetheless those offerings still managed to produce three whiffs each.
Of the three men that collected base hits off Megill, only one went for extra bases, a double by J.T. Realmuto. Now 2-0 on the young season, Megill also earned his second quality start of 2022, despite throwing just 76 pitches.
A trio of Mets relievers combined to throw another 3 2/3 scoreless innings, despite the Phillies putting together a brief rally in the 9th inning. Edwin Díaz earned the save by striking out Rhys Hoskins, stranding two runners on base.
Before Díaz, Chasen Shreve and Drew Smith had solid appearances as well, with Smith striking out three batters in 1 2/3 innings of work.
