New York Mets getting big names back in time for postseason push
By Kevin Henry
As the New York Mets continue to battle the Atlanta Braves to hold on to the lead in the National League East, the team’s pitching will be getting some solid upgrades over the next week.
New York Mets pitching is getting stronger just in time for the final postseason push
According to a tweet from Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the New York Mets rotation will be boosted in a big way as Max Scherzer is expected to return on Monday, as is starter Tylor Megill, who will likely be shifted to the bullpen upon his activation. Additionally, reliever Drew Smith is expected to be back on Tuesday.
Scherzer is making his way back from left oblique irritation that flared up in a September 3 outing against the Washington Nationals. In 20 starts this season, Scherzer has a 2.26 ERA/2.53 FIP/0.924 WHIP over 127.2 innings. He is looking to capture his 200th career win, sitting at 199-101 overall in his 15-year MLB career.
Once Scherzer returns, he will give the Mets a dominant 1-2 punch with Jacob deGrom that the Mets hope they will be able to save for the National League Division Series rather than having to employ in the Wild Card round should Atlanta move past them in the standings.
Also coming back is Megill, but after starting nine games this season, the 27-year-old right-hander is expected to join the bullpen on his return from a right shoulder strain that sidelined him in late June.
Megill started the season strong, posting a 1.93 ERA in five April starts. However, biceps inflammation in May slowed his momentum and caused his numbers to rise considerably in four starts before the shoulder strain sidelined him.
Tylor Megill expects to come back next season as a starter, but he is ready to be a reliever when he returns later this season:
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 6, 2022
"If they want to throw me into the bullpen, so be it. I'll do whatever I can do to help the team win." pic.twitter.com/OtvNFOVdat
Megill will likely be a part of the bullpen with Smith, on the shelf since late July with a right lat strain. Smith has struck out 47 in 41.0 innings while posting a 3.51 ERA/4.37 FIP/1.146 WHIP and being employed primarily in the seventh and eighth innings.
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The return of these three pitchers is good news for a Mets team looking to finish the regular season strong and earn the bye that will come to the winner of the NL East.