The New York Mets placed starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, the team announced Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Carrasco has an 8.56 ERA through 13 2/3 innings across his first three starts seasons.
- He last pitched Saturday in the Mets’ 3-2 win over Oakland, lasting five innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits.
- The move is retroactive to April 16, and the team recalled right-hander Jeff Brigham from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What this means for New York
For the Mets, Carrasco’s injury presents the latest sign of danger when dealing with older starting pitchers. Carrasco got off to a slow start with a noticeable dip in velocity. However, after his first two starts, he brushed away any physical concerns and said he was fine. Carrasco profiles as the Mets’ fifth starter, but injuries to Justin Verlander and José Quintana added to the veteran’s importance.
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When the Mets picked up Carrasco’s option, they expected to receive solid production and five or six innings per start. He pitched five innings against Oakland on Saturday, and that marked his longest outing. Without Verlander and Quintana, the Mets turned to David Peterson and Tylor Megill. Both those pitchers will remain important parts of the Mets’ rotation.
To compensate for Carrasco’s absence, the Mets can turn to Triple-A pitcher Joey Lucchesi, among other options. Jose Butto was optioned so he must stay 15 days in the minors unless he replaces someone else who gets injured. Carrasco’s injury comes at an especially bad time because the Mets have had to lean on their bullpen heavily early on this season, with their starters averaging about five innings per start.
In better news for New York, Verlander is moving to a five-day schedule, likely beginning with a live BP session on Sunday. Tentatively, the plan includes a minor-league start next Friday. — Sammon
Backstory
Carrasco, who joined the Mets in 2021 in the Francisco Lindor trade, went 15-7 last season with a 3.97 ERA across 29 starts. The 36-year-old holds a 3.92 career ERA in 14 MLB seasons with Cleveland and New York.
The Mets entered Tuesday in second place in the National League East with an 11-6 record.
Required reading
- Carlos Carrasco disappoints for Mets in second start of the season
- Carlos Carrasco’s velocity plummeted. Is the pitch clock to blame?
(Photo: Robert Edwards / USA Today)