New York Mets Could Be Getting Major Reinforcement Back in Rotation

The Mets are getting closer to having a major reinforcement rejoin their rotation.

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK - Starting pitching has been a major issue in the New York Mets' disappointing 31-35 start. 

As a unit, the Mets' rotation entered play on Tuesday with a 4.95 ERA, which ranks No. 25 in baseball. 

However, there is some good news, as help is on the way.

Left-hander Jose Quintana began his rehab assignment on Tuesday for the Low-A St. Lucie Mets. 

In his first rehab start, Quintana hurled 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and walking one batter. The 34-year-old threw 26 pitches, 15 of which were for strikes. 

José Quintana's rehab start is done after 1.1 scoreless innings

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— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 13, 2023

According to Mets manager Buck Showalter, the plan is to stretch out Quintana to at least five innings before he rejoins the big-league rotation. This means the southpaw is still a few rehab starts away from making his return. 

The Mets' rotation could badly use a boost, as replacements such as David Peterson and Tylor Megill have struggled mightily this season. When Quintana returns, he is likely to take Megill's spot in the rotation. 

Quintana has been on the injured list since Spring Training when he underwent rib surgery. While surgery was disappointing, Quintana was fortunate that a lesion found on his rib came back benign. 

The Mets signed Quintana to a two-year, $26 million deal in the offseason, and envisioned him to pencil in as their No. 4 starter in their rotation.