Mets may use a six-man rotation when Steven Matz returns from DL

When Steven Matz returns from the disabled list, we may see the New York Mets implement a six-man rotation.

There are good times and bad times to use a six-man rotation. August of 2018 is not the time for the New York Mets to embark on this journey.

Nevertheless, it’s something the team has discussed once Steven Matz returns from the disabled list.

The lone pro of using six starting pitchers is that it saves anyone from getting overworked. The problem the Mets face is that they don’t even have five quality arms let alone six.

Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, and Matz are the four men who have secured rotation spots for the remainder of this season. The fifth spot is the tricky one as it could either go to a hope and a prayer, Jason Vargas, or belong to the kid, Corey Oswalt.

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Undoubtedly, the majority of Mets fans would prefer Oswalt. Vargas has yet to retire a batter in the sixth inning this season. His abysmal statistics have made him into possibly the worst free agent signing of last winter. With another year left to go on his contract, the Mets don’t seem ready to admit their mistake and shove him in the bullpen anytime soon.

Oswalt should get more starts to see how what he can deliver. He’s one of the few younger players actually getting consistent playing time. More of this is a good thing.

A six-man rotation does have a side effect. It means deGrom goes every six days. Aside from hurting his Cy Young candidacy with fewer starts by the end of September, it may throw off his rhythm as well as everyone else’s. Extra rest is a good thing in a meaningless season. However, could it be too much?

Maybe there is an alternative to a straight six-man rotation. Instead, perhaps, the Mets could skip a pitcher’s start altogether if they feel it’s necessary. It would definitely stink to see any of them suffer a devastating injury this year.

However, is anyone really that close to breaking apart?

None of these pitchers is in danger of crossing a threshold of innings pitched where you might want to worry. Since they aren’t postseason bound, there aren’t the extra pitches in October to get concerned about.

To me, the better approach is to rest a guy when he needs it. Skip over him and come around again. This way, we also get a chance to see others take the mound. Heck, a bullpen game where the Mets march out an army of relievers could even work. I’m ready for anything that lets us see what’s in store for 2019.

All I ask is that they do anything funky on the road. Mets fans deserve to see quality in inning number one.

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With that said, Vargas is staying in the rotation no matter how many signatures your online petition gets.