Jenrry Mejia makes New York Mets rotation

August 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia (58) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Young righty, Jenrry Mejia has made the New York Mets rotation as their fifth starter. As a result, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been optioned to Triple-A-Las-Vegas. The move, was first reported by Anthony Di Como.

The news doesn’t come as too much of a surprise after the spring training Mejia had. In 13 innings he compiled a 2.70 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP and struck out 13 batters. Matsuzaka, was a rather impressive too, but was ultimately out-pitched; over 18 innings he collated a 3.86 ERA, with a 1.34 WHIP while striking out 17 batters.

Things could’ve been very different after Mejia suffered an injury scare in Friday’s exhibition against the Blue Jays. But after the results of the X-ray came back negative, the Mets were able to name Mejia as their fifth starter, with Matsuzaka and John Lannan being sent down to the minors.

With Dice-K being sent down to the minors after a very good spring, he could potentially be used as trading bait. With Nick Franklin on the Mets radar, and the Seattle Mariners needing starting pitching, a trade could be struck. After Ruben Tejada‘s woeful spring, they need Franklin to solidify the shortstop position, and could send either Lannan or Matsuzaka to Seattle.

Mejia, the 24-year-old Dominican right hander, was used as a back-up starter last season. In five starts, he collated a 2.30 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP whilst striking out 27. In his first full year in the rotation, he will aim to build upon his impressive spring, and prove to the Mets that he deserved the number five-spot in the rotation.