Rapidly, the Mets’ rotation is becoming whole again. Trade acquisition Rich Hill should be at Citi Field by Saturday. Carlos Carrasco could return from the injured list within days, with Jacob deGrom perhaps also on the short-term horizon. The Mets have nearly survived a weeks-long stretch in which they often didn’t know who would be starting the next day’s game.
They could not have done it without Tylor Megill.
Unheralded before the season, Megill has been the glue that’s allowed the Mets not only to survive, but to thrive, maintaining their grip on first place despite all their recent nicks and cuts. In delivering six shutout innings in a 3-0 win over the Blue Jays on Friday, Megill shaved his ERA to 2.10 — the fourth-lowest in Mets history by a pitcher in his first six career starts.
Lowest ERA in 1st 6 career starts, Mets history:
Terry Leach: 1.73
Nolan Ryan: 1.98
Dillon Gee: 2.09
Tylor Megill: 2.10— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 24, 2021
Against the Blue Jays, who entered the night ranked third in the Majors in runs per game, Megill submitted his finest start to date. After allowing a hit and a walk in his first two innings, the rookie retired 13 of the final 14 batters he faced, with five total strikeouts. Manager Luis Rojas removed Megill at that point despite a pitch count of 78, and a trio of Mets relievers did the rest.
The Mets took the lead off former teammate Steven Matz in the first inning, when Brandon Nimmo drew a leadoff walk and Pete Alonso followed with a two-run homer. Making his first career start against his former team, Matz received several ovations throughout the night — but so did Megill, who basked in a loud one following his first career hit in the fifth.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].