NEW YORK — Following his recent demotion to the bullpen, Adrian Houser has been granted another opportunity to prove himself as a starter for the Mets, set to face the Phillies in an upcoming away game this Wednesday.
The decision, announced by Mets’ skipper Carlos Mendoza on Monday, arrives just days after Houser’s underwhelming performance on May 2, where he relinquished four runs across four innings, marking his earned run average at an unsettling 8.16.
However, Houser showed promise in his singular bullpen appearance since, delivering two innings without allowing a run. Mendoza’s rationale for Houser’s swift return to the starting lineup revolves around the current pitching schedule, seeking to afford other pitchers additional rest days. Houser’s return is seen as a temporary adjustment to maintain a six-man rotation, with his permanency in this role hanging in the balance.
The Mets are considering other options for future rotation spots. Tylor Megill, who opened the season as a starter, is coming back from a shoulder injury having impressed during his minor league rehabilitation, boasting a solitary run against him and 23 strikeouts over 14 innings. Joey Lucchesi is another potential candidate, with a record of 2-1 and an ERA of 2.58, alongside his solid performance from the previous season in the rotation.
Additionally, the Mets are soon to have David Peterson and Kodai Senga available, both of whom are concluding their rehab assignments. These developments suggest that Houser, despite his upcoming start, may find his future within the rotation uncertain, especially considering his strong track record as a reliever, where he holds a 5-0 record and a 1.71 ERA over 33 appearances.
As the Mets navigate their pitching lineup with an eye towards optimization and rest, Houser’s performance against the Phillies could play a significant role in his future with the team, whether as a starter or from the bullpen.