Jose Butt saved the Mets during their last homestand, and now he’ll get a chance to prove he belongs in the rotation.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said the Mets recalled Butt from Triple-A Syracuse to start Sunday’s game against the Royals, with a spot opened by Julio Teheran’s one-time appearance on the team.
Butt was used as the No. 27 player in a doubleheader against the Tigers on April 4th, and pitched six innings with one earned run on three hits and three walks, with six strikeouts and contributed to the Mets’ first win of the season.
“I know he’s ready,” Mendoza said Friday before the Mets beat the Royals 6-1 at Citi Field. “We made some difficult decisions in spring training and unfortunately he had to leave. But then he got a chance in a doubleheader and was able to play his best, especially command-wise. He did a great job scoring six points for us when he didn’t have that ability, and now he’s getting another chance.”
Butt, 26, was being considered during camp to replace Tyler Megill in the rotation after Kodai Chiga was suspended with right shoulder tightness.
Megill started the game due to shoulder strain, but was placed on the disabled list and was replaced by veteran Teheran. Teheran was assigned after allowing four earned runs in 2/3 innings against the Braves in his debut with the Mets.
“[Butto] He is a man who is not afraid,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to compete for the ball. This is a guy, I like fastballs and changeups, I like playing changeups, and here he’ll get another chance on Sunday, and I I’m looking forward to it.”
William Arroyo, the lead agent for Limas Sports (better known as Bad Bunny), has been suspended by the MLBPA following an investigation into complaints that he provided improper benefits in the form of cash and gifts to players. ESPN reported that he was stripped of his responsibilities.
Francisco Alvarez and Ronnie Mauricio are among Bad Bunny’s customers.
Alvarez, a former Scott Boras client who switched to Bad Bunny last year, declined to comment on the matter.
Mendoza said he expects J.D. Martinez, who received a cortisone injection earlier in the week for lower back tightness, to show “some movement” starting Saturday.
After this shot, Martinez’s build-up in the minor leagues was halted. Martinez appeared in two games for Low-A St. Lucie.
— Additional reporting by Dan Martin
