Lugo says pen demotion ‘a little frustrating’
MIAMI — Seth Lugo fully understands the Mets’ bullpen predicament, but that didn’t make his removal from the rotation any easier on him Friday.
“It caught me by surprise a little bit,” Lugo said before the Mets lost to the Marlins, 8-2, at Marlins Park. “I knew my last two starts weren’t what I wanted and weren’t what anybody else wanted, but I was just starting to get my rhythm and routine, so it was a little frustrating.”
Manager Mickey Callaway informed the right-hander he is again a reliever, but also told Lugo he should expect to start again at some point if needed, perhaps in a doubleheader. The Mets play a doubleheader against the Phillies on July 9 at Citi Field. Another is scheduled for Aug. 16 in Philadelphia.
Lugo, who did not make an appearance Friday, was 1-2 with a 3.52 ERA in five starts since replacing injured Noah Syndergaard in the rotation. The numbers are respectable enough, but Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland received better results from Lugo in his previous role.
In 21 relief appearances, Lugo is 1-1 with a 2.27 ERA. His absence from the bullpen has put additional strain on Anthony Swarzak, Robert Gsellman and Jeurys Familia, among others. Corey Oswalt has joined the rotation for the short term, as Syndergaard is still working his way back from a strained ligament in his right index finger and Jason Vargas nurses a sore calf.
➤ Noah Syndergaard threw 31 pitches over two innings in a simulated game and will be reevaluated Saturday. The righthander is expected to remain in Florida and pitch in a minor league rehab game in Port St. Lu- cie later in the week. Syndergaard last pitched for the Mets on May 25, when he strained a ligament in his right index finger.
➤ David Wright traveled with the team for the first time this season as he continues baseball activities. The third baseman likely will head to Port St. Lucie in the coming days to continue his rehab. Wright has undergone three surgeries since last appearing in a major league game for the Mets in 2016.