Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets, has managed to steady the team despite early-season setbacks. Heading into tonight’s matchup against the Miami Marlins, he has opted for a notable pitching adjustment. After splitting a four-game series with the Washington Nationals, swingman Tobias Myers is set to make his second appearance of the season on the mound, this time in a starting role. Phillip Martinez of SNY first reported the change.
“The Mets announced that RHP Tobias Myers will start Friday’s series opener against the Marlins in Miami. Myers, 27, has not started a game this season, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had left the possibility open to use the reliever in that role following the injury to Clay Holmes.”
Shifting Myers from the bullpen into the rotation—even on a temporary basis—highlights several underlying developments. Most notably, it reflects Mendoza’s growing trust in the 27-year-old right-hander. Myers has quietly been effective, posting a 3.41 ERA while issuing just six walks over 29 innings. If he delivers a strong outing, he could earn additional opportunities as a starter.
The move also subtly reflects the organization’s current evaluation of its pitching depth, particularly when it comes to prospect Jonah Tong. After breaking camp with the big-league squad, Tong was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, where he has struggled significantly, recording a 5.68 ERA with 24 walks in 38 innings and surrendering eight home runs. Those numbers suggest he is not yet ready for a major league role, and his development trajectory may need more time in the minors—or potentially even draw trade interest.
Myers’ effectiveness isn’t driven by velocity. His four-seam fastball sits around 92.6 mph, according to Baseball Savant, but his success comes from movement and deception. His slider, in particular, has shown increased vertical break compared to last season, helping him induce weak contact and keep hitters off balance.
Tonight, however, he’ll face a dangerous Marlins lineup that has exceeded expectations despite its standing. Catcher Liam Hicks has been one of the league’s most productive run producers, while shortstop Otto Lopez has emerged as one of baseball’s most consistent hitters, carrying a .342 average. Both are disciplined at the plate and capable of extending at-bats, which could test Myers’ command and the Mets’ defensive consistency.
With Clay Holmes potentially out for the remainder of the season, Kodai Senga still working his way back through rehab, and Freddy Peralta shouldering an uneven workload, New York’s pitching staff is under increasing strain. The bullpen has been forced into heavy usage, raising concerns about fatigue as the season progresses.
Myers may not be a long-term rotation solution, but his versatility gives the Mets flexibility as they navigate injuries and workload management. How far that flexibility carries them remains to be seen.