The Mets' six-man rotation could be around for longer than expected. According to ESPN, pitching coach Dan Warthen thinks the six-man rotation could last all the way until the middle of August. Warthen says the Mets are trying to keep their starting pitchers at 30 starts instead of 33 this season.
As a result of the commitment to the six-man rotation, Mets manager Terry Collins says he will allow the pitchers to throw up to 115 pitches per start if necessary. Collins seemed to hint at this on Tuesday by allowing Jacob deGrom to throw 105 pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies.
In a Wall Street Journal article, Collins said he doesn't want any more Tommy John surgeries. "I’m trying not to have any more sore shoulders," said Collins. "I’m trying to make sure we’re all rested and that, in September when we’re playing for something, your guys are out there pitching."
Mets' GM Sandy Alderson said this move isn't permanent, but it is strategic. The Mets have three young arms in deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard that they want around if they are playing for something in September.
And at the very least, we'll get to see more Thor costumes during the dog days of the summer when Syndergaard is pitching.