Jason Vargas likely to hit the IL

Jason Vargas appears destined for the 10 day Injured List following his removal from Sunday’s game against the Brewers after 50 pitches due to ‘hamstring tightness.’ While not seen as serious, this adds to the problems that will stretch the Mets’ current starting pitching depth, especially in light of the nerve issues plaguing Steven Matz. Vargas currently is making $8 million in his final guaranteed year with the Mets, though they retain two club option years.

The Mets expect to make it through Vargas’ 10 day IL-stint with just a 4-man rotation with him coming off the IL on May 16th, with a fifth starter not needed until May 18th. Although Matz and Vargas on the IL, the Mets will need to cobble together a start or two by using either their AAA depth in Chris Flexen, Hector Santiago, and Corey Oswalt, their current pitchers, Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman, or [again] just signing Dallas Keuchel. With Gio Gonzalez available just a few weeks ago at a very affordable rate, the starting pitching depth situation continues to be frustrating.