PITTSBURGH — Jason Vargas was signed to provide insurance and veteran stability to a pitching staff filled with numerous questions.
Thus far, the 35-year-old lefty has made one more appearance with the Mets than Matt Harvey did this season.
Vargas (2-6) will make his highly unanticipated return to the mound Friday night against the Pirates, pitching for the Mets for the first time in more than a month after suffering a strained right calf.
Vargas, who has posted an 8.60 ERA in nine starts this season, is coming off a disastrous June 19 outing in Colorado, in which he allowed seven runs and nine hits (three home runs) over 2 ¹/₃ innings. Vargas has since made two rehab starts with Single-A Brooklyn.
“My body feels good. My arm feels good, but no matter how good you feel, sometimes you feel your best and you get hammered,” Vargas said Thursday. “You really don’t know what’s gonna happen until you go out there that day, whether you’re healthy or not.
“I don’t know if [Colorado] being the last start, or a good start, would matter one way or the other.”
Vargas’ return bumped Corey Oswalt from the rotation, and roster, with the rookie optioned to Triple-A despite posting a 3.60 ERA in three July starts.
Despite Vargas’ struggles all season, manager Mickey Callaway said he believes the lefty will prove he belongs in the rotation, if he stays healthy.
“The one thing that’s been tough on him this year’s things like that have popped up and he hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm with his schedule,” Callaway said. “It makes things tough.”
Callaway said Syndergaard threw up to 120 feet Thursday, with no issue, and is “in line” to return Tuesday or Wednesday in Washington.
“He’s doing really well,” Callaway said. “He felt good.”
Callaway also said Todd Frazier (ribs) is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the next few days.
Jeff McNeil committed an error while playing third base in his first career start, but also went 1-for-2, with two walks and hit by pitch. Callaway said he plans on giving the rookie several more chances to start.
“I like the way he battles,” Callaway said. “I think he can cover a lot of pitches. … He’s got a short, quick swing. He knows how to play the game.”
