Spring training began on a challenging note for the New York Mets, facing injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, which compelled the team to reassess their plan for a six-man rotation. At times, the situation seemed dire enough to raise concerns among fans about potential scrapings from the lower ranks for reinforcements.

However, as spring training progressed, the atmosphere changed and options emerged. Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes have stepped up by showing commendable performances, adding stability when it was most needed. The central question now is: who will fill the final two rotation spots?

The Unexpected Dilemma

The nature of baseball is unpredictable, with situations shifting swiftly. Just a few weeks prior, the Mets found themselves in a state of concern regarding their rotation depth, and now they are exploring choices.

Currently, three pitchers—Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning—are competing for the remaining two spots in the rotation. Each pitcher has demonstrated their capabilities, making the decision a challenging one for Manager Carlos Mendoza.

The Case for Each Pitcher

Blackburn, who underwent surgery for a cerebrospinal fluid leak last October, showed promising signs in his latest outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday by tossing four perfect innings. Although he faced concerns, such as not missing any bats and allowing six hard-hit balls, the outing marked progress after a shaky start this spring.

Meanwhile, Megill has showcased his talent with an impressive fastball that has reached speeds of 97-98 mph and a robust 1.35 ERA across 6.2 innings. His seven strikeouts demonstrate his ability to induce swings and misses; however, his remaining minor league option may complicate the decision regarding his placement.

Canning, once a highly regarded prospect within a troubled Angels organization, has found his groove with the Mets, reaching a perfect ERA with seven strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

How Will the Mets Sort It Out?

Roster mechanics could add an additional layer of complexity. Blackburn and Canning are out of minor league options, meaning they cannot be sent down without passing through waivers. Conversely, Megill has one option left, which may ease the decision but also complicates it given his strong showing.

A possible strategy might be to keep Megill in the rotation, allow Blackburn to transition into a long relief role, and offer Canning an opportunity for one of the starting positions.

The possibility remains that Blackburn can solidify his case with more performances like his recent outing. However, with spring training coming to a close, it is clear that this competition is still ongoing.

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