Gsellman returns to pen after 4 poor starts

“Starting Pitcher Robert Gsellman: Chapter 2” fared nowhere as well as the original, and the endeavor came to an end Sunday. Before the Mets took on the Phillies at Citi Field, manager Luis Rojas said that Gsellman would return to the bullpen.

“Gsellman can definitely help our bullpen, bouncing back,” said Rojas, who explained that with David Peterson and Michael Wacha off the injured list and joining Jacob deGrom, Rick Porcello and the recently elevated Seth Lugo, “we’d rather have those five and take Gsellman back to the bullpen. We need a lot of help there.”

After serving exclusively as a reliever the prior two seasons, Gsellman joined the 2020 Mets’ starting rotation on Aug. 12. In four starts, he totaled only 9 ¹/3 innings while compiling an 8.68 ERA, striking out six while walking six.

When he first came to the major leagues in 2016, Gsellman teamed up with Lugo as surprise saviors to an injury-riddled starting rotation. The righty Gsellman posted a 2.63 ERA in seven starts as a rookie, striking out 40 and walking 12 in 41 innings pitched. In 2017, however, his success as a starter vanished, as he recorded a 5.29 ERA in 22 starts totaling 115 2/3 innings, striking out 78 and walking 41. That led to his pivot into the bullpen until the Mets, lacking options, turned to him last month. And now they have turned Gsellman back to the later innings.

➤ Jacob deGrom said there is discussion whether he will pitch on his fifth day or take an extra rest afforded by Thursday’s day off. But deGrom isn’t too concerned whether his next appearance will be Friday or Saturday in Buffalo against the Blue Jays, noting that he will receive the same number of starts for the remainder of the season, regardless. DeGrom says his next start day will likely depend on how he feels.

“If I could go out there every fifth day, that would probably be what happens,” deGrom said.

➤ Pete Alonso was the DH for his second straight start, putting a better glove at first base in Dominic Smith. Alonso admits the switch has been something of a transition.

“I have done it before in the minor leagues, but I am making the adjustment well,” he said after hitting two homers. “I am taking the extra swings, staying locked in on the game, going over pitchers in the bullpen, just trying to figure out the matchup they could possibly bring in.

“Ultimately, I want to be out on the field, but wherever I’m written up in the lineup, if I can help that day, I want to make an impact. I want to help this team win.”