MIAMI — Adrian Houser may be buried in the Mets’ bullpen, but he’s not forgotten.
The embattled right-hander, who has been out of the rotation in recent weeks due to struggles, is scheduled to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday against Cleveland as the club’s sixth starter, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Hauser was scheduled to start last Wednesday in Philadelphia, but was removed from consideration after warming up twice in the bullpen the day before.
Instead, the Mets recalled Joey Lucchesi to the starting lineup and used Hauser in relief.
This season, Hauser has pitched in eight games (six of which were starts) and has a 7.44 ERA.
Sean Manaea is scheduled to start for the Mets on Sunday, and Tyler Megill is scheduled to start the next day against the Guardians after coming off the disabled list.
Carlos Quintana is scheduled to play in the final game of the series in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Brandon Nimmo returned from two days on the sidelines due to abdominal pain, but lower-body spasms forced him to leave the Mets’ 10-9 loss to the Marlins in overtime in the 10th inning.
Tyrone Taylor, who entered the game as a pinch runner for J.D. Martinez in the top of the 9th inning, remained in the game as left fielder.
In the 10th inning, Nimmo’s batting order was decided, and the Mets appointed DJ Stewart as a pinch hitter (Taylor was placed on defense, so the DH position was lost). Stewart struck out.
Mendoza said the Mets will hold a bullpen session on Sunday as right-hander Kodai Chiga waits for clearance to begin his minor league rehab assignment.
On Thursday, Director of Baseball Operations David Stearns suggested that Chiga has found a comfort level with mechanics and there is optimism that it will move forward with his rehabilitation.
Chiga last pitched a bullpen session on Wednesday, but Mendoza admitted the four days between sessions are longer than most pitchers.
“He’s a unique personality,” Mendoza said. “He’s a player who knows himself better than anyone, and we’re going to continue to give him the time and what he needs to get back on the mound.”
Drew Smith is scheduled to continue pitching in Monday’s bullpen session, after which he will be evaluated for participation in minor league rehab.
