Tobias Myers is close to rejoining the Mets, but it won’t be as a fully stretched out starting pitcher.
The right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse two weeks ago, at which time team officials indicated Myers could be lengthened into a starter.
In his most recent outing on Thursday, he pitched 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings.
“I think his role is going to be whatever we actually need at that point,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said Friday before a 7-5 win over the Braves at Citi Field, noting that Myers will likely be recalled within the next few days. “He could pitch at the front of games, it could be more in the swing capacity that we saw at points this year.
“But that is what makes him special, he has the ability to help us in a variety of different ways and we probably aren’t going to lock him into one specific role when he comes back.”
Myers was sent to Syracuse, according to Stearns, because the Mets needed a fresh arm and Myers had received much work at that point.
Myers has pitched to a 4.05 ERA in 20 appearances for the Mets this season.
Francisco Lindor began taking live batting practice, with two innings simulated on defense, but he wasn’t allowed to run the bases.
Lindor, who is returning from a left calf strain, will continue the simulated workouts over the next week, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. It’s unclear of the shortstop will receive a minor league rehab stint before rejoining the Mets.
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The Braves began the day with a MLB-leading 3.20 ERA under new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, who was fired by the Mets last October.
Stearns was asked if the Braves’ pitching success had led him to reassess the decision to fire Hefner.
“We’re happy with our coaching staff right now,” Stearns said. “Hef is a really good person and a good coach, and it doesn’t surprise me he’s having success.”
Kodai Senga likely will start at least one additional minor league game following his strong outing Thursday for Double-A Binghamton in a rehab appearance.
The right-hander allowed one earned run on one hit over six innings with five strikeouts over 75 pitches.
“He threw strikes, competing in the strike zone it was good to see,” Mendoza said.
