The Mets are on the verge of crucial away games, first setting foot in Cincinnati this weekend, before proceeding to Philadelphia on Monday. Their prospects for advancing to the playoffs rest precariously upon a struggling starting rotation. Consequently, they’ve chosen to bring up pitcher prodigy Brandon Sproat from the Triple-A Syracuse team. Sproat, a right-handed pitcher, is preparing for his initial professional-level performance this weekend while facing the Reds who trail the third NL Wild Card spot by five games – a position currently occupied by the Mets.
The expectation is that Sproat will join the team over the weekend, with current reports indicating that he’ll likely take the mound for the final game of the series on Sunday. His impressive form and high numbers of strikeouts this season signal his readiness to transition to the next level. The addition of Sproat will augment the Mets’ starting rotation with a total of three novice pitchers who have emerged from their system, alongside a fourth starting player from their own ranks – left-hander David Peterson, who is enjoying another robust season.
Possibilities of Tylor Megill’s return to the rotation could escalate this to a total of five. After Steven Matz moved up to the big leagues in 2015, the Mets found themselves short of top-tier starters. Megill’s performance this season experienced its highs and lows, and Peterson’s future with the team was under question until he firmly established his footing last season.
Sproat’s addition is not only a harbinger of promising times ahead, particularly if he can match the performance of his rookie rotation colleagues, Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong, but also a necessary step for the ongoing season. The Mets are in a promising position to secure a playoff spot but face a tough challenge from Cincinnati over the weekend. Adding to the pressure, the San Francisco Giants are showing renewed vigor, trailing the Mets by just four games. Giants’ outfielder Logan Gilbert, brought in as part of the Tyler Rogers trade, plays a significant role in their resurgence.
This year, the Mets have expressed their intent to streamline their journey. With a record of 75-65, they are toe-to-toe with the San Diego Padres (76-64) and not far from the Chicago Cubs (80-60) in the Wild Card standings. However, they lag behind the Phillies by 5.5 games in the NL East. All three of these opponents are in the Mets’ upcoming schedule.
The stakes are high, leaving the team with little room to retain both Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea in the rotation. Post Senga’s hamstring injury on June 12, the Mets have garnered just 3.8 WAR from their starting pitchers. The pitching rotation was beset by injuries, and the team couldn’t secure any notable reinforcements during the trading period.
Having returned from the injured list, Senga’s performance has been distinctly underwhelming: 0-3 over nine starts with a shocking 5.90 ERA. This represents a sharp decline from his position as a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year just two years prior. Despite his diligent work ethic, he appears baffled by his recent performance slide. Precision is critical to Senga, which led to a break from his minor league assignment to refine his techniques when his pitching dynamics were off kilter.
With a need for clear communication, the team must secure his consent if he’s to be sent down to the minor leagues. Although his contract allows for minor league assignments, Senga has the prerogative to refuse this option.
As for Sean Manaea, the Mets could pursue an innovative approach by earmarking him as an opener, or coupling him with another starter like Clay Holmes, who also typically faces challenges sustaining deep into games.
At the end of the day, their ability to implement these strategies necessitates having someone like Sproat on their roster. His joining the team promises not just an injection of fresh talent, but a potential upsetting of their rotation’s status quo for the better.
The post Mets Bank on Newcomer Sproat for Key Cincinnati Game appeared first on Real News Now.
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