The Mets’ rotation, and by extension the playoff hopes, took a damaging hit Wednesday, when an MRI scan revealed that Marcus Stroman has a left calf tear that is expected to mark him for several weeks, such as minimum.
In a 60-game season that begins on Friday, that could mean Stroman released his last game for the Mets. The injury occurred Friday, according to manager Luis Rojas, when Stroman took a calf line in an intrasquad scrimmage. Stroman continued to pitch and launched a bullpen session three days later.
Stroman’s injury leaves an initial rotation for the Mets who took a hit in March with Noah Syndergaard’s torn ulnar collateral ligament requiring Tommy John surgery for a fifth arm, as Friday’s first game against the Braves approaches.
“Man, it’s really unfortunate,” said Rojas. “[Stroman] He put in a lot of work and brought in such a great form and it was really exciting to have all five guys here before the season started and he is getting over it. He was hit by that line boost, he finished his pitches … he’s good to pitch, he’s only moving where the challenge is, coming off the mound.
“It is really unfortunate. This guy is a fighter, he wants to go, and it’s unfortunate that the rotation is not going to start for us this season. ”
Candidates to fill the rotation position include left-handed rookie David Peterson, veteran Erasmo Ramirez and Corey Oswalt. Bullpen ace Seth Lugo does not consider himself a candidate for the rotation.
Rojas was asked if he expected general manager Brodie Van Wagenen to seek outside rotation help.
“Right now our focus is on our boys and we really like them,” said Rojas. “We have seen boys come in and act, their things are great, they have given us depth.”
Stroman, who struck a deal with the Blue Jays on last year’s trade deadline, is a free agent after this season. In 11 starts for the Mets last year, he was 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA and 1,475 WHIP. The Mets’ hope was that he would fill the vacant rotation position for Zack Wheeler, who left through free agency last winter to sign a five-year, $ 118 million deal with the Phillies.
Peterson, who was the Mets’ first pick in the 2017 draft, impressed team officials in first spring training. That momentum has been carried into this camp, but it has never thrown above Double-A level either.
“I am happy where [Peterson] It is, “Rojas said earlier this week.” Quick to the plate, so he has a lot of ease of throwing. He has a good feeling for the mound and a good feeling to compete. I like where he is right now as a starter, so I definitely see it as part of the rotation in the future and I see how it can also help us in the future if there is an opportunity. “
Oswalt has appeared in 19 games over two seasons with the Mets and released a 6.43 ERA. Another Mets right-hander with starting experience, Walker Lockett, was placed in IL this week.
Stroman is the Mets’ second rotation piece dealing with a physical problem at camp. Last week, Jacob deGrom incurred lower back pain, but the Mets ace has resumed shooting and is on target to start Opening Day Friday against the Braves.
Steven Matz and Rick Porcello will follow deGrom in the opening series. Rojas declined to name Michael Wacha as the starter for Monday in Boston, but said the right-hander is not dealing with a physical problem.
“Right now it’s fine,” said Rojas. “He’s fine.”
.
