Mets will skip Jason Vargas’ next turn in the rotation

The New York Mets will skip Jason Vargas’ next turn in the rotation, opting to give him some extra time to work on his struggles. Vargas was scheduled to pitch on Tuesday night at Citi Field against the Toronto Blue Jays, but Zack Wheeler will make the start on five days’ rest. Mickey Callaway added that Vargas will throw a simulated game early next week.

Vargas, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets during the offseason, has been terrible in three starts this season. His season got off to a nightmarish start when he allowed nine earned runs in three-and-two-thirds innings against the last-place San Diego Padres on April 28.

His next two outings were each better than his debut, though that isn’t saying much. In total, he’s allowed 19 earned runs in 12-and-one-third innings on the season, including five home runs. The numbers tell the story: he has a 13.86 ERA, and 8.92 FIP, and a 2.86 WHIP.

The Mets have an abundance of off-days in the next week, which has afforded them the opportunity to skip over Vargas. In addition to last night, the Mets do not play on Monday or on Thursday of next week. The light schedule precedes a rough stretch that has the Mets playing 18 games in 17 days, including a Memorial Day doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park.

Looking ahead, Wheeler and Steven Matz will pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, respectively. From there, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, and Vargas will most likely pitch the three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.