MLB

Taijuan Walker’s ‘stuff’ eases Mets’ concerns about fatigue

MIAMI — Taijuan Walker’s stuff was good enough in his last start that the right-hander quelled some of the concern that he has hit a wall.

Nevertheless, the Mets will need better results from Walker on Tuesday than the five earned runs he surrendered over five innings last Thursday in a loss to the Braves at Citi Field.

Overall, Walker has pitched to a 15.43 ERA in his three starts in the second half since representing the Mets in the All-Star game.

“I was pleased in his last start, just how his stuff was compared to the other two,” manager Luis Rojas said Monday before the Mets’ 6-3 loss to the Marlins. “The other two gave me a concern just because his fastball wasn’t carrying as much as it was in the first half.”

Walker has pitched 99 ¹/₃ innings this season. In his previous three seasons combined, he threw 67 ¹/₃ innings as he dealt with injuries and the pandemic-shortened 2020. But Rojas said he wasn’t concerned about fatigue with Walker.

Taijuan Walker
Taijuan Walker Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Will the Mets possibly consider a six-man rotation to keep pitchers fresh heading to summer’s dog days?

“We’ve talked about that internally, but not recently,” Rojas said. “I think right now the need in the bullpen is important just because we have used our bullpen a lot in the last week. … It’s important we have protection in the bullpen and that is one of the reasons we haven’t had the talks [about a six-man].”


Brandon Nimmo was scratched from the lineup after initially getting written in to bat leadoff and play center field. Kevin Pillar moved from right field to center and Brandon Drury was added to the lineup in roght. Nimmo, who has dealt with a left hamstring issue in recent days, grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh. Rojas said the team’s performance staff had second thoughts about Nimmo playing center field and that led to the late lineup change.


Miguel Castro was placed on the IL due to health and safety protocols and recalled outfielder Albert Almora Jr. from Triple-A Syracuse. Castro has been isolated as the team awaits the results of a COVID-19 test.


The Mets claimed right-handed pitcher Jake Reed off waivers from Tampa Bay and placed him on their taxi squad. Reed appeared in six games this season for the Dodgers, five of them in relief.


Rojas said he spoke to the players about extra vigilance this week given the surge in COVID-19 cases in Florida.