PORT STREET LUCGE — Joey Lucchesi started camp later than other Mets pitchers in terms of offseason reinforcement, but ended up being left in the rear view.
The left-handed pitcher was given the option to Triple-A on Friday as teams began limiting pitchers’ innings.
Lucchesi pitched just once in the Grapefruit League against the Nationals on Tuesday, allowing four earned runs on four hits and one walk in 1 1/3 innings.
Lucchesi was initially mentioned as a candidate for the starting rotation to replace the injured Kodai Senga.
He will continue to play in the minor leagues.
Tyler Megill seems to be the frontrunner for Chiga’s spot, but Jose Butt is also a candidate.
“[Lucchesi] “When he reported to camp, he was a little behind, but some players were ahead of him,” coach Carlos Mendoza said.
“He was halfway through camp when he was ready to throw in a game. That’s one of the reasons he has to step back now and continue to get stronger. We’ve got to increase his pitch count.”
Last season, Lucchesi started nine games for the Mets and posted a 2.89 ERA.
The Mets also optioned reliever Reed Garrett to Triple-A.
Catcher Austin Allen and infielder Rylan Bannon have been reassigned to minor league camp.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said Chiga will undergo imaging tests on his right shoulder within the next seven to 10 days before being cleared to start pitching.
Chiga was diagnosed with a moderate injury to the posterior capsule of his right shoulder last month and received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, and will need to begin full-scale spring training by May.
The Mets’ favorites won 4-2 against the Nationals in the first spring breakout at Clover Park.
Ryan Clifford, acquired last summer in the trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Astros, has hit a double as the starting first baseman.
Clifford pointed out the differences between the Astros and Mets.
“The Mets have a lot of staff and a lot of people to rely on,” Clifford said. “Houston is similar, but I think there are a lot more people here that we can reach out to and help us with our careers. That’s a good thing.”
