PITTSBURGH — Robert Stock’s rough most recent performance likely won’t prevent him from remaining in the Mets rotation.
Interim manager Andy Green indicated Sunday that he was leaning toward sticking with Stock, who allowed eight earned runs over three innings against the Pirates the previous night. The right-hander was pitching for the Mets for the second time since undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome during spring training.
“I think more than likely we’re anticipating him making his next start,” Green said before the Mets beat the Pirates 11-1 at PNC Park. “We’re still kind of being a little bit patient before fully committing to it.”
The Mets have Christian Scott, Nolan McLean and Zac Thornton aligned to face the Braves over the next three days. Thursday is a scheduled off-day, giving Green the option of skipping Stock’s rotation spot Friday. But Green said he would like to keep deploying five starters.
“I don’t think [skipping] is our best choice given the load a lot of the young guys have carried into their first full season in the big leagues,” Green said. “As much as we would like to get those guys back on the mound quickly, the extra day is good for them.”
Stock, 36, allowed one earned run over five innings against the Marlins in his first start for the Mets.
Carson Benge returned to the lineup after missing Saturday’s game with a bone bruise in his left wrist. Benge finished 2-for-5 with an RBI, reaching base three times.
Jack Weisenburger pitched the final two innings scoreless in his major league debut and allowed one hit with two strikeouts. The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday to give the Mets a fresh arm — Xzavion Curry was optioned.
“He’s worked really hard to get here and anytime you see a debut and it goes well like that, it’s amazing to see,” Sean Manaea said.
Weisenburger became the eighth Mets player this season to debut in the major leagues, joining Benge, A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, Thornton, Matt Seelinger, Nate Lavender and Jefry Yan.
