Megill hurls another strong start in bid for rotation spot
PORT ST. LUCIE — Tylor Megill broke into a wide grin when asked after Monday’s outing if he liked his chances of claiming the vacancy in the Mets’ rotation.
“Man, it’s out of my hands,” Megill said. “I just have to keep pitching and doing my thing.”
On this night he continued his superb spring training by allowing one earned run over four innings against the Marlins in an exhibition game at Clover Park. The right-hander allowed three hits and struck out two without walking a batter.
Megill, who extended to 61 pitches, owns a 1.50 ERA in his four starts this spring. Tim Anderson’s homer in the second inning accounted for the scoring against him.
The Mets have an opening in the rotation with
Kodai Senga slated to begin the season on the injured list as he rehabs from a right shoulder strain. Senga isn’t expected back before May.
Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza praised the approach Megill has displayed, be- ginning with his offseason throwing program.
“[Megill] reported ready to go,” Mendoza said. “He was one of the few guys that when he showed up he was already throwing live BP … and that is why he is already up to 60-65 pitches. Not only that, but the way he is throwing the ball. He is throwing the ball well and making a case for himself. This is good.
“We have been saying it all spring training: hopefully at the end of camp we’re going to have to make some tough decisions, because not only we’re healthy, but guys are throwing the ball well. If that’s the case so far, knock on wood that they continue to do the same thing and stay healthy.”
Jeff McNeil played five innings on defense, ran the bases and tracked pitches — he was allowed to bunt — in a minor league game. Mendoza is hopeful that McNeil, who had right biceps discomfort early in camp and still hasn’t appeared in the Grapefruit League, will begin taking batting practice on Tuesday.
Joey Lucchesi is scheduled for his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday, pitching behind Jose Quintana against the Nationals in West Palm Beach, Fla. The lefty Lucchesi, who has been pitching in minor league games, had his scheduled start in the Grapefruit League rained out last week.