Tylor Megill is rejoining the Mets rotation — at least for now — which means Jose Butto will stay in the bullpen.
Carlos Mendoza announced Thursday that Megill will start Saturday against Atlanta in place of Christian Scott, who was placed on the injured list with a sprained UCL and is shut down for at least two weeks.
Knocked around in his final two starts with the Mets in June, Megill was also shaky in his first two outings at Triple-A Syracuse before a strong start on Friday, when the right-hander allowed just an unearned run in five innings.
Tylor Megill is set to rejoin the Mets’ rotation. AP
Jose Butto reacts during the Mets’ win over the Braves on July 25, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTPitching coach Jeremy Hefner said Megill “did what he was supposed to do” during his stint in the minors, mostly working on his sinker to right-handed hitters, as well as adjusting his slider.
“The velocity is still there,’’ Hefner said. “He walked a few more people than we would have liked, but we’re confident he’s figured some stuff out.”
And that leaves Butto in the pen, where the 26-year-old has thrived — including with three scoreless innings in Thursday’s 3-2, 10-inning win.
In seven appearances as a reliever, Butto has allowed just one run over 13 ²/₃ innings.
Christian Scott was placed on the injured list with a sprained UCL. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConFrancisco Lindor continued his power surge with his fifth homer in his last four games.
He has a 10-game hitting streak, with six homers in that stretch, and heard chants of “MVP” as he rounded the bases following his third-inning blast off Chris Sale.
Asked about the reaction from the crowd, Lindor said, “It’s cool.”
Francisco Lindor belts a two-run homer in the third inning of the Mets’ 3-2 win on July 25, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the New York PostStarling Marte still needs to begin a running program before he can return from the right knee bone bruise that’s kept him out. That’s expected to start within a week, with a rehab assignment to follow, but Mendoza said it’s too early to put a timetable for him to get back to the Mets.
Marte said Thursday he believed he’s “very close.”
He hit on the field and did some work in the outfield Thursday.
“It feels good. Every test that we’ve done, I’ve passed,’’ Marte said. “We’re going to have to wait and see how I respond, but right now everything feels good.”
The 35-year-old Marte last appeared in a game for the Mets on June 22 and was having a strong season at the plate.
In his absence, the Mets have used Tyrone Taylor, DJ Stewart and Jeff McNeil all in right field to mixed results. Getting Marte back would only enhance their depth.
With Brandon Nimmo getting a night off against the lefty Sale and Harrison Bader still nursing a sore right ankle, Mendoza went with an outfield that still included a pair of left-handed hitters in McNeil and Stewart, but he also moved the red-hit Jose Iglesias into the two-hole for the first time.
Iglesias hadn’t hit higher than sixth in the lineup since joining the Mets at the end of May.
“Looking at what we’ve got in the lineup, he’s been huge for us and I feel good with him anywhere in the lineup,’’ Mendoza said.
Iglesias went 0-for-4.
Nimmo is hitless in his last 13 at-bats, but Mendoza said he’s not concerned.
Asked what’s stood about his recent at-bats, Mendoza said, “Nothing in particular. He’s still putting up good swings. They’re pitching him tough and he’s missing some fastballs at times.”
Sean Reid-Foley threw live batting practice Thursday at Citi Field, which Mendoza said went well.
The right-hander, out with a shoulder impingement, had been scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday with High-A Brooklyn, but the team opted for a live BP to allow Reid-Foley to work on his mechanics.
If he doesn’t report any issues, he’s expected to next pitch Sunday for Brooklyn.
— Additional reporting by Zach Braziller






