New York Mets To Keep Four Pitchers Stretched Out As Starters This Spring

Several New York Mets pitchers are expected to be stretched out as starters during spring training, but will likely begin the regular season as part of Triple-A Syracuse's rotation.

Tylor Megill, who lost 15 pounds during the offseason, began last season with a lot of momentum but missed significant time with a right shoulder strain.

While he is unlikely to begin the season in the Mets' rotation due to the team's five veteran starters on guaranteed contracts, he could play a significant role at some point in 2023. As he has minor-league options remaining, it is more likely he will start the season in Syracuse.

Here is Tylor Megill throwing a bullpen session. Where is the rest of him? He said he’s down 15 pounds. Looks quite slim. pic.twitter.com/F5LtcQZ0Ac
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 16, 2023

David Peterson, a 27-year-old lefty, made 28 appearances and 19 starts for the Mets in 2022 with a career-high 27.8 percent strikeout rate and a 3.83 ERA. He could be the first pitcher called upon should injuries hit the rotation, but as he also has minor-league options remaining, he is likely to start the season in Syracuse.

Buck Showalter shares that he sensed a little bit of frustration from both David Peterson and Tylor Megill in regards to them being moved around a lot last season: pic.twitter.com/AgEBa98icz
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 17, 2023

Joey Lucchesi, a 29-year-old lefty who did not pitch for the Mets last season due to Tommy John surgery, will also be stretched out as a starter in spring training but is expected to operate in a relief role for New York to begin 2023.

He made eight of his 11 appearances for the Mets in 2021 as a starter, posting a 4.46 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over 38.1 innings. Like Megill and Peterson, Lucchesi has minor-league options remaining and is likely to start the season in Syracuse.

Elieser Hernandez, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason, will also be stretched out as a starter in spring training but will likely begin the season in Triple-A Syracuse's rotation.

Like the other starters, Hernandez has minor-league options remaining, so it's more than likely that he begins his season at Triple-A.

The twenty-seven-year-old made 10 starts for the Marlins last season, but struggled to a 6.35 ERA over 62.1 innings of work, leading to him taking on more of a long-relief role, which may be better suited for him.

Overall, the Mets have several talented pitchers who could play a significant role at some point in 2023, but due to the team's depth and their minor-league options, they are expected to begin the season in Triple-A Syracuse.

Syracuse will be happy, however, as their rotation should be quite formidable to begin the season. Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports