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Jacob deGrom will not start for the New York Mets on Opening Day this year as planned. So where do the Mets turn?
They have three realistic options. Chris Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco, and Taijuan Walker aren’t them. A fully healthy Max Scherzer isn’t either. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue of his own.
Left with only three alternatives, how do these Opening Day starter options rank?
1) The Mets should hand the ball to Tylor Megill on Opening Day
Tylor Megill may actually start on Opening Day for the Mets. A year ago, if you asked me who Tylor Megill was, I’d guess he might be the neighbor that lives behind me. Not anymore.
Megill rose up quickly and has become a suitable rotation replacement during deGrom’s absence. Starting him on Opening Day might not sound ideal but it’s the best choice the Mets have. Starting on Opening Day should be an honor. It’s also a time to make the smartest and most effective decision. Due to the state of the Mets, Megill is it.
2) A bullpen game on Opening Day is the second-best option for the Mets
The thought of a relief pitcher throwing the first pitch for the Mets in a season feels like a bad omen of things to come. It’s one possibility Buck Showalter is considering.
Who will it be? Does it really matter? A bullpen game is not ideal in any scenario. It’s not flashy. Even the cool kids who are only cool because they think everything is lame think this is doubly lame and they’re being genuine about it. Still, it’s the second-best option they have.
3) Max Scherzer with a bad hamstring is the last option for the Mets
You’re a professional pitcher, Max. Get out there and earn your money!
Pushing Scherzer to pitch on Opening Day just because it’s the first game of the year is ridiculous. If he’s not feeling 100%, the Mets are far better off giving him a few days to get rid of the “hamstring hiccup” bothering him. I’ve heard drinking water fast or getting scared might help.
Opening Day for the Mets this year is already not going as we had hoped. Regardless of who does get the ball for the first pitch, you’re going to be there.