Mets: Chris Flexen is ready for his MLB debut Thursday night

The 23-year-old is quite excited for his big league debut with the Mets

In fact, Chris Flexen even went on to say that he doesn’t “think it will be too difficult” when he makes his major league debut against the Padres on Thursday night.  Well, that’s some confidence, and some confidence that we know is needed when getting on that mound.

Flexen is the first Mets starting pitcher since 2006 to skip Triple-A and jump from Double-A straight to the majors. The last pitcher to do this? Mike Pelfrey.

Of course, this is a dream come true for Flexen, stating the following:

"“This is something you work your whole life for. It’s overwhelming, it’s exciting, it’s nerve-wracking. It’s all of the above. But mostly, I’m excited.”"

Did anyone back in April think that a promotion like this would happen this season? Nope, not at all. And if you did think that, you should go out and play the lottery. But with an injury riddled starting rotation, and Zack Wheeler being the latest on the disabled list, it’s happening. And hopefully Flexen can deliver like he says he can.

Flexen has had his fair share of injuries too, so he fits in quite perfectly with his fellow Mets starters. He underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2014. Because of this, he didn’t pitch his first full season until 2016. Flexen was brought to major league camp this past spring, but injury struck again —  he missed the majority of spring training due to having a bone chip removed. In fact, this pain occurred right before he was scheduled to start a Grapefruit League Game.

But, Flexen is healthy right now. And he’ll be on the mound for the Mets Thursday night. He also acknowledged that managing his emotions will be the hardest thing, as in that moment — his debut moment on the mound — everything is going to be heightened. But, he did have the following to say:

"“Most of all being really confident,” Flexen said. “Attacking hitters, sticking to game plan, attacking hitters, sticking to a game plan, not trying to do too much, not afraid of making mistakes. Not letting anything, the little things, bother me. Just attack guys and win a ballgame. That was the biggest thing — try to win a ball game for the guys.”"

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That sounds like quite the game plan. Hopefully Flexen can follow it, control his emotions, and pitch like he has been in. Double-A this season. In 48.2 innings pitched, he holds a 1.66 ERA allowing just nine earned runs. He’s struck out 50, and has only given up seven walks. Impressive numbers but I know “minor league numbers don’t mean anything.” I guess we’ll just see after his debut. He’s been dominant with the Rumble Ponies, and let’s hope this translates into the majors.