MLB news: Mets injury news, Yankees legend dies, WBC free agent signing
By Kevin Henry
Some of the latest MLB news and notes, including the prognosis for a New York Mets pitcher, the passing of a New York Yankees legend, and how a World Baseball Classic outing turned into a contract.
Let’s start with the Mets and concerns on the rotation front. While The New York Post is reporting that Jose Quintana will be shut down for three months because of stress fracture on the fifth rib of his left side, the Mets are trying to downplay the injury, calling that report “premature.”
Billy Eppler called a New York Post report that José Quintana will be shut down from throwing for three months "premature." Says the Mets are still talking to doctors and will have information finalized by midweek.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 13, 2023
However, Eppler did not directly deny the report's veracity.
MLB news: With Jose Quintana injury, what do New York Mets do next?
After signing a two-year, $26 million deal this offseason, the Mets felt they had added a nice piece to the back end of the rotation. However, it now looks like the 34-year-old Quintana’s debut in Queens will be on hold for the near future.
With that in mind, the Mets will likely elevate southpaw David Peterson or Tylor Megill into Quintana’s spot. Megill has been impressive this spring, posting a 1.08 ERA/1.080 WHIP while scattering six hits and one run across 8.1 innings. Peterson has also showed well, throwing four scoreless innings but walking three in those frames.
New York has starting pitching depth, but there’s no question that that will be tested if Quintana is out as long as rumored. Depending on Quintana’s health, look for this to be a spot where the Mets may upgrade at the trade deadline.