Tobias Myers departed as a reliever, but could return to the Mets as a starter.
The right-hander, who was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after Friday’s game — allowing the Mets to add a fresh bullpen arm — will be lengthened out over the next two weeks, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, giving the team additional flexibility on his usage.
Myers will follow a “scripted” program in the minors that allows him to stretch out for length should the Mets decide to insert him into the starting rotation.
“Once these 15 days are up, then we will make that decision,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 6-1 victory over the Marlins. “He could either go and continue to get stretched out or just back to the role we have been using him. He’s very versatile and an important part of our team.”
Myers allowed two runs in one inning of work Friday, boosting his ERA to 4.05. He has filled various roles for the club, including opener, long reliever and high-leverage arm.
“Not an easy decision, given how important he’s been for the team,” Mendoza said of Myers’ demotion. “We told him, ‘Hey, you are going to be back here soon,’ and he understood, but obviously he’s not happy about it.”
Left-hander Cionel Perez was selected to the Mets’ roster.
He pitched a perfect sixth inning in his Mets debut.
Bobby Valentine and Lee Mazzilli were inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony.
Those in attendance included former Mets managers Joe Torre and Willie Randolph, general managers Joe McIlvaine and Steve Phillips, and team Hall of Famers Mike Piazza, Al Leiter, John Franco, Howard Johnson, Edgardo Alfonzo and Mookie Wilson.
Hall of Fame hockey executive Lou Lamoriello, who as baseball coach at Providence College recruited Valentine to play in the Cape Cod League, also attended.
Jorge Polanco, who is continuing his rehab at Double-A Binghamton, could potentially rejoin the Mets for their series next weekend in San Diego.
The veteran infielder has been on the injured list since April 15, rehabbing a wrist contusion and Achilles bursitis.
The Mets are 8-3 in their last 11 home games.
Overall, they are 14-15 at Citi Field this season.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
