Mets’ rotation finally taking shape after telling decisions
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The remainder of the Mets starting rotation alignment behind Opening Day starter Clay Holmes is taking shape.
Manager Carlos Mendoza — while not officially announcing a rotation — indicated Thursday that David Peterson and Kodai Senga will remain behind in Port St. Lucie for an additional start apiece on the minor league side when the team breaks camp Monday.
That would leave Peterson and Senga lined up to pitch Games 4 and 5 in Miami, following the season-opening series in Houston.
That leaves Megill and Canning for the final two games against the Astros.
Neither Megill nor Canning officially has been named to the rotation, but team officials have been leaning in that direction.
Megill’s inclusion in the rotation would place Paul Blackburn in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever.
“Those three guys that we are talking about have been throwing the ball really well,” said Mendoza, referring to Canning, Megill and Blackburn. “That is why this decision is not as easy as people think. You can make a case for all of them.”
Holmes, who has transitioned from reliever to starter this spring, is scheduled for his final start of the Grapefruit League season Friday against the Cardinals.
A.J. Minter still has one test to pass if he’s to begin the season with the club: pitch twice in three days.
The lefty reliever has just three appearances this spring after taking it slow in ramping up following hip surgery last year.
Mendoza’s plan is to pitch Minter on Saturday and potentially Monday before reaching a decision on that roster spot.
Max Kranick’s ability to give the Mets multiple innings from the bullpen is a strong selling point for his inclusion on the Opening Day roster, according to Mendoza.
“We’re going to need that, especially early in the year, when the starters are 75, 80, 85 [pitches],” Mendoza said. “You are going to need some type of length out of the bullpen, and Kranick is putting himself in a really good position with the way he is throwing the ball.”
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