The next 3 Mets prospects making a case for a promotion

3) NY Mets prospect Josh Walker continues to succeed as a reliever on the farm

Josh Walker is in a much different spot than Grant Hartwig. Once a legitimate starting pitching prospect with some promise, Walker is off the radar these days but with a catch. Someone decided to make Walker a reliever. They must’ve realized after some struggles as a starter on the farm the best thing to do for this left-handed thrower was to ask him to pitch in relief.

The Mets had an opportunity to promote Walker on Monday but chose to go with Zach Muckenhirn instead. It’s understandable. Muckenhirn is off to the better start. The loss of Brooks Raley to the IL put the Mets in a position where they didn’t have any lefty relievers at all. Walker and veteran T.J. McFarland would be the next two in line.

Walker’s season numbers include a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings of work. He does have a couple of unearned runs against him. His 0.92 WHIP does look favorable. So does his 13.5 strikeouts per 9 so far this season.

Because the Mets did just add Muckenhirn to the 40-man roster while moving Stephen Ridings to the 60-day IL, it may take another huge injury or a complete collapse by Muckenhirn on the mound in the majors in order for Walker to get his chance.