The New York Mets’ youth movement on the mound is set to continue, with top prospect Brandon Sproat scheduled to start Sunday’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The 24-year-old right-hander becomes the third rookie recently added to the rotation, joining Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong..
Sproat has shown steady progress at Triple-A Syracuse this season, going 8-6 with a 4.24 ERA, 113 strikeouts and 53 walks across 121 innings. After a rough opening stretch in which he posted a 6.69 ERA over nine starts, the former second-round pick rebounded to record a 3.19 ERA in his last 15 appearances.
New York’s decision to lean on prospects stems from a struggling veteran staff and a quiet trade deadline. Kodai Senga may miss his next turn, All-Star David Peterson has stumbled with a 6.68 ERA in August, and Sean Manaea has posted a 5.60 ERA since debuting in mid-July after an oblique injury.
The Mets currently hold the National League’s third wild-card spot, four games ahead of the San Francisco Giants but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 5.5 games in the NL East.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].