Call to the pen
Fansided

New York Mets keep treading water with starting rotation

By David Hill

Jun 8, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

It seemed as though the New York Mets were getting closer to having the starting rotation they envisioned at the start of the season. After trading for Chris Bassitt and signing Max Scherzer in free agency to improve the front of their rotation behind Jacob deGrom, the Mets appeared to be in great shape moving forward.

The problem is that the Mets have yet to have that three headed monster this season. deGrom has yet to pitch this year and Scherzer landed on the Injured List himself. Bassitt had been the lone member of that rotation Cerberus remaining.

New York Mets get starter back just to lose another

But help was coming. Scherzer had finished his rehab assignment and is set to return on Tuesday. deGrom is likely to begin his own rehab assignment soon and could return by the trade deadline. It may only be a couple of months, but the Mets envisioned rotation was set to come together.

And then another blow befell the rotation. Bassitt was placed on the IL as well on Friday without a specific designation. Chances are, he is battling COVID-19 or related symptoms. This also means that his stay on the IL is for an unknown length of time.

It is also a loss that the Mets can ill afford. Their lead over the Braves has shrunk to 3.5 games entering Saturday. The Phillies have also refused to roll over and die despite Bryce Harper’s injury. The Mets need to get that trio back and healthy.

In theory, that should happen. Scherzer coming back is one step in that direction. Bassitt may not miss much time. And deGrom is coming back barring a setback. They just need to tread water until that happens.

Next. Flipping the script on Bobby Bonilla Day. dark

Chris Bassitt landed on the Injured List right as Max Scherzer was set to return. The New York Mets have gained a starter just to lose another one.

Home/New York Mets