Kranick, potential fill-in starter, to IL with bum hammy
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Mets have one less candidate to fill Kodai Senga’s rotation spot.
Max Kranick, who pitched two scoreless innings in his Grapefruit League debut for the Mets, has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will open the season on the injured list, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
The right-hander didn’t indicate any discomfort in his start Monday, but the following day had cramping in the hamstring, according to Mendoza, and underwent testing.
“Another hit,” said Mendoza, who last week lost Senga to a left shoulder strain that is expected to keep the Mets ace out for at least the season’s first month. “We have been talking about our depth since we showed up in camp and the Senga news and now Max … I see some opportunity for other guys. We continue to like our depth and guys have to step up and guys are going to get opportunities.”
Kranick was in a mix that includes Tylor Megill, Jose Butto and Joey Lucchesi for Senga’s rotation spot. Kranick, 26, grew up a Mets fan in the Scranton, Pa., area. The Mets claimed him off waivers from the Pirates in January.
“I feel for the kid after battling Tommy John [surgery] to get back on the mound,” Mendoza said. “The two innings we saw the other day, we were encouraged with his velocity, up to 96 [mph] and throwing very well.”
➤ Jose Quintana allowed two earned runs on two hits and three walks against the Astros over 1 2/₃ innings in his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday night. The left-hander said he wasn’t concerned about the results, as he looked to work on his sinker against right-handed hitters.
“They were close pitches. … I missed on a couple of [sinkers], but kept throwing them,” Quintana said. “I think this is a perfect time to do it and next time I am going to use more of my stuff.”
Quintana is lined up to start the Mets’ opener on March 28, but Mendoza hasn’t officially announced his starter yet.
➤ Shintaro Fujinami, who returned to Japan last week to attend to a personal issue and obtain a work visa, will likely return to camp this weekend, according to Mendoza. The reliever is expected to be ready for Opening Day.