Manager Terry Collins left reporters at PNC Park with a strong impression that when Dillon Gee returns to the Mets tomorrow, that he will become part of a six-man rotation.
It will allow the Mets to hold off making an immediate decision on what to do with rookie right-hander Noah Syndergaard.
Additionally, it could provide an extra day of rest for Matt Harvey, who is having his innings workload closely monitored.
The team may also consider giving Bartolo Colon a breather either with an extra day off, or skipping a turn in the rotation.
Gee will arrive tomorrow in Pittsburgh, and Collins said a decision already has been made.
May 21
In his second rehab start for the St. Lucie Mets, Dillon Gee was excellent. He did not allow any runs, and he gave up only three hits in 6.1 solid innings.
Gee now has a 0.87 ERA in two outings with Advanced-A St. Lucie, as he works his way back from a groin strain.
While Gee has established himself as solid back of the rotation starter, the Mets still have not decided on what his role will be once he’s activated.
Sandy Alderson indicated on Tuesday that the decision will depend on how top prospect Noah Syndergaard performs in his next start. (Dave Lennon, Newsday)
“Every new data point is useful,” Alderson said. “We’ll see how Dillon throws. We’ll see how Noah throws. This isn’t a competition, but it’s new information. So rather than speculating on what will happen, we’ll let things unfold and make decisions accordingly.”
Syndergaard was extremely impressive during his last start. He struck out five and allowed just one run in six innings.
“We’ve got to decide what makes us the best team,” Collins said. “We’ve got to decide in the big picture what our best options are. So when you start laying those things on the table, there’s always little obstacles that pop up.”
Collins hinted that Syndergaard could remain with the team and pitch out of the bullpen, but this scenario appears unlikely when the Mets GM was asked about it.
“Not yet,” Alderson said. “It’s always something you could consider doing, but we don’t anticipate that at this point.”
One thing that now remains certain is that Syndergaard has earned his place on the roster. There had been speculation he’d be sent back to the minors once Gee returned from the DL, but that no longer seems to be the plan. Thankfully so.
