While the Mets beat the Braves in their series opener in Atlanta last night, the team had to go to the bullpen much earlier than expected when Taijuan Walker left the game with side tightness. And Walker had been pitching deep into games, averaging nearly seven innings over his four starts that preceded that one.
The Mets were already heading into tonight’s game without a true starting pitcher, as Jacob deGrom is on the injured list—with hopes of returning as soon as Friday—and Marcus Stroman pitched on Sunday, while David Peterson would be going on short rest if he were to pitch tonight.