LOS ANGELES — The Mets’ starting rotation has a new casualty.
Carlos Carrasco, who has struggled in the early season, was placed on the injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation, the team announced.
Carrasco returned to New York for further evaluation, including imaging.
He joined Justin Verlander and Jose Quintana among Mets’ starting pitchers on the IL.
But there is also some level of concern about Max Scherzer, who is scheduled to pitch the series finale against the Dodgers on Wednesday.
Originally, Scherzer was supposed to pitch Sunday, but his start was pushed back because of discomfort beneath his right scapula.
Jose Butto started in his spot.
The 36-year-old Carrasco has pitched to an 8.56 ERA in three starts for the Mets.
The Mets placed Carlos Carrasco on the injured list. Getty ImagesThere were indications late in spring training he might have been ailing.
He was scratched from a start in a minor league game with what was termed “elbow maintenance.”
But manager Buck Showalter said Carrasco recently indicated he was feeling good physically.
Carrasco last pitched Saturday at Oakland and he felt discomfort during a throwing session two days later.
His next turn in the rotation would have come Friday in San Francisco.
The Mets optioned Butto to Syracuse on Monday, but could have brought him back if it was to replace Carrasco.
Instead they recalled reliever Jeff Brigham from Syracuse for Carrasco’s roster spot, so if Butto returns within the 15-day window it would have to be for another injured player.
Carlos Carrasco pitching for the Mets against the Athletics on April 15, 2023. Getty ImagesAnother option to start would be left-hander Joey Lucchesi, who has pitched to a 2.30 ERA in three appearances for Syracuse.
Of all the Mets’ pitchers on the IL, Verlander appears the closest to returning.
The co-ace, who is recovering from a strained teres major muscle near his armpit, threw a second bullpen session on Tuesday in Port St. Lucie.
The next step will be throwing live batting practice on Sunday, according to Showalter, before Verlander is slotted into a minor league rehab start five days later.
By that timeline, Verlander’s debut with the Mets would come in the first week of May at the earliest.
Quintana, who underwent rib surgery in spring training, is sidelined until at least July.
David Peterson and Tylor Megill (who started Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium) have helped keep the rotation afloat in the absence of others.
