Mets option promising starter for Triple-A Syracuse

Scott is off to a solid start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, pitching five innings while allowing four hits, two runs, a walk and four strikeouts. In total, the 24-year-old has thrown 27.2 innings across five starts, posting a 3.90 ERA with a 1.084 WHIP and 25 strikeouts.

While the choice of Scott may come as a surprise to many of the Flushing Faithful, there is plenty of reason behind it. The Mets currently don’t need a full rotation due to their upcoming two-game series in London against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue and Orange will have two days off beforehand and another once they return to the United States.

Therefore, the Mets are better off using Scott’s roster spot on a bullpen arm. The pen has been taxed lately and just lost two key contributors: Edwin Díaz and Jorge López.

The other is to limit the 24-year-old’s innings. Scott threw a career-high 87.2 innings at three minor league levels last season. The right-hander will likely be capped around 125 innings, especially since the Mets are unlikely to play baseball in October, which will allow them to potentially pitch Scott into September.

Expect Scott to return to the Major League roster in mid-June.

Who will stand up for Scott??

Scott’s spot on the roster will be filled by relief pitcher Dedniel Núñez. Núñez, who played in the minor leagues for years, made his big league debut this season and performed well. The 27-year-old has thrown 8.1 innings in five appearances to a 3.24 ERA with a 1.200 WHIP and 13 strikeouts. The Mets’ bullpen has struggled this season, so if Núñez can perform, the Dominican Republic native could take on a role for the rest of the season.