Mets To Push Back But Not Skip Vargas’ Next Start

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that the New York Mets will be pushing back veteran Jason Vargas‘ next start to Saturday in St. Louis against the Cardinals. They would be able to skip this start while keeping the other four starters on normal rest, but they are opting not to.

“We’ve got to get Vargas on a roll to be the best team,” Callaway told DiComo.

Vargas, 36, allowed four earned runs on two hits and three walks while only being able to record one out Saturday agains the division rival Atlanta Braves. This was his second start of the season, the first of which coming against the weak Marlins when he allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings. His ERA on the season now sits at 14.21, and his ERA since joining the Mets sits at 6.32.

Prior to the 2018 season, Vargas joined the Mets rotation on a two-year, $14 million contract. He is owed $8 million in 2019, and the Mets have a player option for 2020 worth $8 million. At this point, it seems unlikely that option will be exercised, but it’s that $8 million salary that seems to be the only thing keeping him in the rotation.