Mets’ Battle for Final Two Rotation Spots Could Involve Bullpen Consideration
JUPITER, Fla. — Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning each had an opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the Mets’ Opening Day rotation, starting on Monday, a day after Tylor Megill pitched five inconsistent innings.
With Sean Manaea expected to miss most of April due to an oblique injury and Frankie Montas sidelined by a strained lat, the Mets are in need of filling out a rotation that currently includes Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson.
Canning had the strongest outing recently, striking out nine and allowing just one run in 4 ²/₃ innings against the Rays in a 2-0 split-squad loss at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. Meanwhile, Blackburn gave up two runs in four innings, striking out six, in a 6-5 win over the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium.
On Monday, manager Carlos Mendoza stated that the team was “considering” using one of the three pitchers competing for the final two rotation spots in the bullpen.
However, Mendoza did not specify which pitcher might be suited for a relief role.
“It’s hard for me right now [to say],” Mendoza remarked. “All three can do it. We haven’t decided if we’re going to go that route. We’ve still got seven [spring training games until Opening Day]. A lot can still happen.”
If no changes occur, Mendoza mentioned that he would consult with president of baseball operations David Stearns and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner to determine which pitcher might be left out of the rotation.
Blackburn has made four relief appearances in the majors — the most recent one in 2019 — while Megill has pitched in relief six times (all in 2022) and Canning five. Megill is the only one of the three with a remaining minor league option.
After his outing on Monday, Blackburn said he’d be open to whatever role the team gives him.
“The team talked to me earlier in spring about the possibility of a bullpen role,” said Blackburn. “Whatever happens, happens. Those guys are the decision-makers. I’m ready to pitch whenever they want. Any chance I get, I’m ready to pitch.”
Canning made 31 starts for the Angels last season with a 5.19 ERA, but there’s optimism that his work with the Mets’ pitching staff will pay off. Early signs have been encouraging.
“I feel every single day, I’m getting better,” said Canning, who has allowed one run in his last two starts, striking out 14 in 8 ¹/₃ innings. “It’s fun taking that confidence into the game.”
However, Canning added, “I feel great, but it doesn’t mean anything right now.”
The Mets will also consider each pitcher’s “ability to bounce back,” according to Mendoza.
For now, Mendoza said each pitcher would continue working as a starter.
“They’re all getting built up with their pitch counts and [innings],” Mendoza said. “That’s the priority.”
This is especially important since the Mets might switch to a six-man rotation by mid-April.
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