The first weekend of the 2024 season could not have gone any worse for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, the new week will not start with new vibes. The Mets announced on Monday that starter Tylor Megill will head to the injured list with a right shoulder strain. Megill underwent an MRI on Sunday after leaving his start early due to shoulder discomfort.
RHP Tylor Megill has been placed on the 15-Day IL with a right shoulder strain.
RHP Reed Garrett has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 1, 2024
The righty tossed four innings in his start against the Milwaukee Brewers and allowed two runs and three walks while striking out four. The Mets will recall reliever Reed Garrett from Triple-A as the corresponding move.
New York Mets Place Tylor Megill on Injured List
Megill represented one of the more intriguing arms on the team this season. He seemingly found a new gear late last season after learning a version of Kodai Senga‘s electric forkball. Megill produced a solid spring, was impressed with his new pitch and increased velocity.
The Mets hoped this would be the year the 28-year-old finally established himself as a big-league starter. While he might still succeed with his new repertoire, Megill will again spend part of his season on the injured list.
Replacement Options
Garrett will immediately fill Megill’s roster spot to provide bullpen depth. New York starters did not last long in games this weekend, and Yohan Ramírez will likely serve his suspension this week. Although the bullpen isn’t overworked, adding a fresh arm will help ensure the unit stays strong.
That said, the Mets will surely make another move later this week. Megill’s next scheduled start would have been Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. An off-day on Thursday provides the option to skip Megill’s start, but the Mets will likely give the other four starters an extra day of rest. This means a starter must be added to the team to take Megill’s rotation spot.
Internal arms like Joey Lucchesi and Jose Buttó represent the front runners who fill in while Megill spends time on the injured list. Each is already on the 40-man roster and pitched well in their season debuts in Triple-A this weekend.
Jose Buttó is another option after finishing last year strong and pitching well in spring.
He pitched in Triple-A on Saturday, allowing two earned runs (4 BB) in five innings.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) April 1, 2024
However, Andy Martino of SNY reports that the Mets are open to adding arms from outside the organization. Martino mentions Julio Teheran, a free agent the team almost signed before joining the Baltimore Orioles in late February. Teheran opted out of his deal in March and is currently a free agent.
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