Mets fans took to social media to voice their frustration and confusion over why Tylor Megill was called upon in relief of Jacob deGrom on Friday night, as Megill promptly allowed three hits and two runs in less than an inning of work.
Asked about the decision after the game, Showalter asked reporters to list what relievers he should have called in instead of Megill, and explained why they weren’t options on Friday in the biggest game of the season.
“[Seth] Lugo wasn’t pitching again after multiple innings last inning,” Showalter said. “Drew [Smith] is coming off of a little different situation, one outing and one day off.”
Showalter simply said no when Adam Ottavino’s name was brought up, and instead went to Megill, who recently returned from the IL and is being tried out in the bullpen given the established Mets rotation and Megill not having the time to work his way back to a starter’s workload before the postseason.
“There’s a reason for everyone,” Showalter said. “That’s the result-oriented world we live in. Tylor, that wasn’t the reason we lost the game. But we’re continuing to try to get through the games so we can be prepared for tonight and tomorrow.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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