After injuries limited him to 53.2 innings in 2021, the New York Mets expect a healthy 2022 campaign from Carlos Carrasco.
He came over from Cleveland alongside Francisco Lindor last year, before the season, but suffered a torn hamstring in spring training that took too long to heal.
He could never get into a rhythm after such a long layoff, and posted a poor 6.04 ERA.
He is now on the right track to being ready to roll as soon as the regular season starts.
Carrasco took the ball on Thursday at Clover Park for a minor league game.
Carlos Carrasco is pitching for the Mets today in a minor league game at Clover Park. pic.twitter.com/YeDUUy4HBE
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 24, 2022
At this point, the results are not as important as the fact he is healthy and logging innings.
As long as he can recover some of the form that led him to posting a 2.91 ERA with 10.85 strikeouts per nine innings in 2020, the Mets will be happy.
The Mets Are Expecting A Solid, Healthy Season From Carrasco
The organization probably isn’t expecting an ERA in the high-2.00s, but they won’t complain if he can give them a high-3.00 ERA and around 160 frames.
Carrasco is expected to open the season as the Mets’ fourth or fifth starter.
Jacob deGrom will likely take the ball on Opening Day, and Max Scherzer will follow in the next game.
New addition Chris Bassitt, who came over from the Oakland Athletics, should be the third starter.
Carrasco and Taijuan Walker will complete a very talented rotation.
The veteran right-hander has a career 3.86 ERA, but is starting to get up there in age.
He recently turned 35, so the Mets know they may not get vintage Carrasco.
If he can keep the team in the game and post a decent ERA, they will likely be happy.
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