2 NY Mets players other than Jose Urena who could start this weekend, 1 who shouldn't

Mar 2, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brandon Waddell (82) during the third inning of their game with the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images
Mar 2, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Brandon Waddell (82) during the third inning of their game with the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Chris Tilley-Imagn Images | Chris Tilley-Imagn Images
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What about a spot start for Max Kranick?

A problem that could present itself is the Mets' lack of pitching depth at the Triple-A level. Don Hamel is the next best option to take a turn in the rotation. However, Hamel was placed on the seven-day IL on April 6th, and no information about the injury or when he will be back has been released. Top prospects Brandon Sproat and Blake Tidewell won't get a call this early because it will start their service time clock.

This will force the Mets to go to a bullpen game if they want to give their starters five days of rest. Thankfully, the bullpen is more than capable of handling this. It has a few relievers who can go multiple innings, one of which is fan favorite Max Kranick. In most of his appearances this season, Kranick has gone more than one inning, with three being his season high.

Kranck has experience starting games. In 2021, he made nine starts for the Pirates and started games for several of the Mets' minor league teams in 2024. If Kranck gives the Mets three to four solid innings before going to another multiple-inning reliever, it would be an absolute win.

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