Following a second straight extra inning game, the New York Mets recalled starting pitcher José Buttó from Triple-A on Tuesday. However, New York plans to utilize him as a reliever as it tries to manage a tough stretch. Injuries, suspensions, and lack of off days have quickly put the Mets pitching staff in a dire position.
New York Mets Desperately Add Starter To Bullpen
The Mets recalled José Buttó today from Triple-A Syracuse. They've talked about making him a reliever, at least temporarily, to help a taxed bullpen.
Tyler Jay optioned.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 2, 2024
To make room on the active roster, New York sent lefty Tyler Jay down to Triple-A.
New York Mets Recall José Buttó, Option Tyler Jay
Buttó looked solid in his first stint in the majors earlier this year. In seven starts, the righty tossed 38 innings and pitched to a 3.08 ERA (125 ERA+) with 38 strikeouts and 21 walks. He allowed too many walks but pitched well enough overall to stay in the big league rotation.
Unfortunately for him, the Mets demoted Buttó out of a necessity for fresh arms. This carousel has been a theme this season for New York thanks to starters failing to pitch deep into games. Even at full strength, the bullpen cannot realistically cover all of these innings.
🚨LATEST #METS NEWS🚨
Jose Butto has been called back up!
After a less than impressive return to the pen yesterday, Tyler Jay has been sent down
Butto this season (MLB): 3.08ERA 4.41xERA in 7G
Expect NYM to utilize Butto in ways beyond just a starter
THOUGHTS? 👇 #LGM pic.twitter.com/hXjRqyc7ko
— Tyler (@WardyNYM) July 2, 2024
But, with key relievers currently hurt, suspended, or over worked, the Mets will get creative in looking to stabilize the bullpen. That starts with recalling Buttó and hoping he can provide quality multi-inning stints in relief.
Buttó’s stock has risen in the organization over the past year or so. While he’ll throw out of the bullpen for now, there’s no reason to think he can’t start down the line. In eight Triple-A starts this year, the 26-year-old pitched 44 1/3 innings with a 3.05 ERA. He also shown the ability to pitch relatively deep into games, as he’s thrown less than 5 2/3 innings just twice in those starts.
It seemed like Buttó could have earned a spot in the rotation if the Mets sold veteran starters at the trade deadline. But with the team currently positioned to buy, Buttó’s spot on the active roster this year might very well be in the bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
