The New York Mets’ pitching issues are nothing new, but the 2026 season has been especially taxing. With Clay Holmes‘ fractured fibula and Kodai Senga’s rehab struggles, there appears to be no relief in sight.
So where do the Mets go from here?
Something’s Gotta Give in the Mets’ Rotation
In their attempt to patch up the injuries, the Mets have mostly used the opener strategy. Huascar Brazoban, arguably the team’s best reliever, has started these games and handed the ball off to a bulk reliever, most recently Jonah Tong. Tong was optioned back to Triple-A on June 3 after not fitting the role.
Through these struggles, the bullpen has pitched the sixth most innings in all of baseball. Combining the injury issues with a staff that already doesn’t go deep into games, it’s clear this isn’t sustainable. Could a solution involve David Stearns taking another look at the minor leagues?
Tobias Myers…the Starter?
Tobias Myers was optioned to Triple-A at the end of May; however, Carlos Mendoza made it clear that this would be temporary. When Myers came to the Mets as part of the Freddy Peralta trade, part of his appeal was that he had starting experience. In 2024, 25 of his 27 appearances were starts.
Despite this, the Mets have only used him as a starter in two games this season, both as an opener. Now that he’s in the minors, why not transition him back to the starter role? Going back to the well with young pitchers has proven ineffective, and Myers now has the opportunity to offer the versatility the Mets acquired him for.
After Myers was optioned, Mendoza mentioned his versatility as being one of the factors that will ensure his quick return.
“Once these 15 days are up, then we will make that decision,” Mendoza said. “He could either go and continue to get stretched out or just back to the role we have been using him. He’s very versatile and an important part of our team.”
Myers has pitched twice in Syracuse, tossing 1⅓ innings of relief on June 4 and two innings on June 7. In the first outing, he threw just 12 pitches. On Sunday, he allowed just one hit and a run (unearned) with a strikeout.
The Mets have a little less than a week remaining on his 15-day timetable, so it remains to be seen if he will become a part of the rotation.
Leave a comment