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Try it freeATLANTA — The Mets are keeping all options open for a top pitching prospect as they evaluate how he might fit on the major league roster this season.
To that end, Brandon Sproat pitched Sunday behind an opener for Triple-A Syracuse, giving the right-hander experience entering a game from the bullpen. Sproat had previously worked this season exclusively as a starter.
“It’s just part of the development,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets lost, 4-3, to the Braves. “We have done it with all of our starters, pretty much. It’s part of the plan, part of the development. I feel like our Triple-A staff does a really good job of preparing these guys in case there’s a need here. And before you know it, we need him to pitch out of the bullpen here. It’s kind of in preparation for anything that can happen here.”
Brandon Sproat is pitching out of the bullpen for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday as the Mets weigh a potential call-up. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Sproat struggled in the appearance, allowing seven runs, five of which were earned, on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 3 ²/₃ innings against Indianapolis. It was a rare bad outing for the 25-year-old Sproat, who entered the day with a 2.06 ERA over his previous nine appearances for Syracuse.
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As The Post reported Saturday, the team in recent days has placed elite prospect Jonah Tong’s name in the conversation for a potential call-up this season. Tong has not allowed an earned run in his two starts for Syracuse since his promotion from Double-A Binghamton. Overall, he pitched to a 1.43 ERA in 22 starts this season.
Brandon Sproat poses for a portrait during Mets spring training. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTTylor Megill is also rehabbing at Syracuse and could soon be an option for the major league staff. The Mets will add a pitcher Sept. 1 when rosters expand, but also might be proactive beforehand and insert a sixth starter during a stretch of 16 days with a game scheduled.
The Mets injected youth into their rotation last weekend when Nolan McLean was called up to join the rotation. McLean has provided two strong starts for the team since his arrival and is scheduled to face the Phillies on Wednesday at Citi Field.
