The New York Mets built an impressive rotation on paper for the 2022 MLB season.
They went out and signed the most impactful pitcher, Max Scherzer, to a record-breaking contract, and they also traded for Chris Bassitt, a solid, mid-rotation arm.
Jacob deGrom, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, and Trevor Williams were already on the team, so they had several options even after losing Marcus Stroman and Noah Syndergaard to free agency.
The Mets, however, are seeing some soldiers go down with each passing day.
deGrom suffered a stress reaction in his right scapula, and was ordered to rest for a month.
Walker recently reported some soreness in his surgically-repaired knee after his last spring training start.
Megill Is The Mets’ Opening Day Pitcher
And the rest of the pitchers are scheduled to pitch on other days, so there are not a lot of options to take the ball on Thursday.
It has all lined up for a 2021 rookie to step up and earn an Opening Day start against the Washington Nationals: Megill.
Official: Tylor Megill will start Opening Day for the Mets in DC.
The circumstances are what they are, but it's a nice opportunity regardless for Megill, who followed up a fine rookie season with an impressive scoreless spring.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 6, 2022
Megill recently said he is prepared to take the ball if needed, and he is actually a very talented pitcher.
Last year, he posted a 4.52 ERA in 89.2 innings, but according to Statcast’s expected ERA, it should have been 3.84, a much more acceptable number.
He can miss bats, and even a modest step forward in his development (which is possible, since he is young, at 26) would make him a solid MLB starter for years to come.
He is good enough to keep the Mets in the game to open a 2022 season filled with great expectations.
NEXT: Francisco Lindor Has Mets Fans Excited After A Strong Spring
