Per Anthony DiComo of MLB, the New York Mets will option starter Tylor Megill to Triple-A following Saturday’s loss against the Houston Astros. New York is in the early stages of playing 17 straight games without an off day. Plus, the bullpen will remain a man short for six more games as closer Edwin Díaz finishes his 10-game suspension.
News: after tonight's game, the Mets optioned Tylor Megill to Triple-A Syracuse, per source. They can backfill his spot with a reliever to help a short bullpen over the coming days.
They have this luxury thanks to Christian Scott/José Buttó, who can fill in next rotation turn.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 30, 2024
Many anticipated that the Mets would have no choice but to option Megill if he didn’t provide enough length on Saturday. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.
New York Mets Reportedly Option Tylor Megill To Triple-A
Megill threw 101 pitches in 5 1/3 innings and allowed four runs on five hits and three walks. Manager Carlos Mendoza tried to push him as far as he could but removed Megill after he walked the seventh-place hitter in the sixth.
Perhaps the worst part of the outing is Megill could not control the game despite having a five-run lead. To his credit, it’s not his fault that the injured and taxed Mets bullpen imploded in the eighth and ninth and blew a two-run lead. However, baseball is a team sport, and Megill needed to pick up his teammates and at least finish the sixth inning.
Carlos Mendoza talks about what he made of Tylor Megill's outing today: pic.twitter.com/zdkaUrWV0h
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 29, 2024
Instead, Mendoza used four relievers to finish the game, including three to get the last six outs. Due to the long outings and pitching in consecutive days, Reed Garrett and Jake Diekman will both likely be unavailable tomorrow. That is on top of not having an arm in Díaz’s roster spot.
Megill Replacements
The Mets have not yet announced the Megill option or who will be promoted. But many expect the team to recall a reliever for the next couple of days and then a starter on Thursday to pitch Megill’s next scheduled start.
Josh Walker and Cole Sulser are the leading candidates since they are relievers already on the 40-man roster. After that, many expect top prospect Christian Scott to return and start in Megill’s place.
Gary Cohen noted on the broadcast that Christian Scott will “likely” get the start for the Mets in Washington on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/EDTzl4PVYW
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 29, 2024
Despite the demotion, Megill likely still has a place on the major league roster. However, it’s possible that he has run out of chances to establish himself as a major league starter. He possesses great stuff and velocity that will only enhance in shorter stints out of the bullpen.
New York needs better bullpen options if it wants to make a deep playoff run. Perhaps Megill can adapt and thrive as a multi-inning reliever and check one box off the team’s shopping list.
Main Photo Credits: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
