ST. LOUIS — Joey Lucchesi can be added to the list of pitchers the Mets would like to see “graduate” within the organization.
Manager Buck Showalter used the term this week in relation to Tylor Megill and David Peterson, both of whom have shuffled between Triple-A and the major leagues as fill-ins.
Now Lucchesi will get another opportunity to show he should be considered for next year’s rotation.
The Mets plan to recall the left-hander from Syracuse to start on Friday against the Cardinals, giving Kodai Senga an extra day of rest. Lucchesi’s arrival likely will mean a shortened bullpen for the club, at least for Friday.
“Guys are trying to make somewhat of a statement that they could be in the mix for us down the road,” Showalter said before the Mets beat the Cardinals, 4-2, on Thursday.
Lucchesi, who worked out at Busch Stadium before the game, missed three weeks at Syracuse with left knee tendinitis. In five starts for the Mets this season he has pitched to a 4.43 ERA.
Lucchesi, 30, has pitched to a 3.69 ERA this season in 14 appearances (13 starts) for Syracuse. He missed all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
Mark Vientos was placed on the 10-day injured list with left wrist tendinitis, two days after leaving a game with discomfort from a swing.
The Mets selected outfielder Abraham Almonte from Triple-A Syracuse to take the roster spot.
Showalter said the expectation is Vientos won’t need longer than the minimum days on the IL to return.
The rookie has been receiving a look at third base following Brett Baty’s demotion to Syracuse, but he has struggled.
Vientos owns a .195/.230/.288 slash line with two homers and 10 RBIs in 118 at-bats for the Mets.
Jonathan Arauz, who was 0-for-4 on Thursday, will likely receive most of the playing time at third base in Vientos’ absence, but the Mets also have Danny Mendick to play the position.
Josh Walker was shifted to the 60-day IL with an oblique strain, ending his season.
The lefty reliever appeared in 14 games for the Mets and posted an 8.10 ERA.
“He was really starting to, it seemed, find his step and be healthy for the first time and being able to pitch back-to-back and do things you need to be on a team next year,” Showalter said. “It’s still there. He showed enough flashes … but another kick in the pants for us.
“We were really hoping to finish strong with him this year.”
Read more
