5 early conclusions about the Mets starting rotation after round one

The New York Mets have now played five games and given us five different starting pitchers. With a 3-2 record, the results should have been a little more mixed than they are.

Instead, we head into game six and the return of Tylor Megill to the mound with mostly good things to say about the starting five even in the absence of Jacob deGrom.

The Mets were already up against having to make a quick change for their Opening Day plans. Able to overcome it, things have turned slightly as most baseball seasons do. Now through all five of the opening starters, what are some early conclusions we can make?

1) Mets pitcher Tylor Megill is ready for the big moments

Even if it was only the Washington Nationals he faced, Tylor Megill stepped up and delivered for the Mets on Opening Day. Five shutout innings was more than expected. He took care of the Nationals hitters and has already made an early case to stick in the rotation all season long.

Megill came into came fighting for a big league roster spot. Starts like this will make it impossible to remove him from the rotation.

2) Mets pitcher Max Scherzer had a debut we can’t really judge him on

Max Scherzer is the one Mets starting pitcher who doesn’t need to do a thing for us to already know we can trust him. If there was anything to doubt, it was his health. However, going six and allowing three earned runs for a quality start was a fine beginning to his tenure with New York.

Was this the kind of epic debut we had hoped for? Not in the least. However, it was good enough to get the Mets the win. Starts like this will get sprinkled in by Scherzer throughout the year. In fact, this quality appearance might be his version of a blowout.

3) Mets pitcher Chris Bassitt looked like ace material

The Mets brought in Chris Bassitt to be their number three and he’s beginning the year as their number two despite being the third one to make a start. He had the best start of any of the pitchers. Bassitt went six, didn’t allow a run, and struck out eight.

Bassitt began the 2022 season without any injury concerns and few doubters about his abilities. It’s not something any other member of this starting five can say. Bassitt should indeed be an asset for the Mets all year long. He looks as good as advertised.

4) Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco passed his first test with flying colors

When Carlos Carrasco made his Mets debut this year, he gave up a home run in the first inning. This was when the wheels seemed to come off for him in 2021. However, that was all he would give up.

Carrasco went 5.2 innings and surrendered only two hits. He won’t have to be a workhorse for the club. Starts like his first one of the season are exactly what we should expect with maybe a little more length. The first test was a success. His next starts, with tougher opponents, will tell us more.

5) Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker could be headed toward a lost season

Taijuan Walker was good in his debut until his body decided it was time to leave after two innings. The good vibes ended and the oft-injured righty is already looking broken.

Walker pitched through the 2021 season and didn’t miss much time at all. His durability is a major question. The first time through the starting five, it’s already looking like this could be a season where he spends significant time on the IL. Keep your arm warm, David Peterson.