Improved Mejia making case for rotation
Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia has a torn MCL in his right elbow and will likely need Tommy John surgery. (Feb. 27, 2011) Credit: AP
The Mets have been firm in their resolve not to use Jenrry Mejia in the bullpen this season after the failed experiment last year to convert him to a reliever at the major-league level. Maybe they might want to think about him in their rotation.
Mejia, 21, continued his hot start for Triple-A Buffalo with six more scoreless innings Wednesday in the Bisons' 4-0 win over Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Mejia allowed three hits, and in two starts, he has given up a total of six hits with five walks and 11 strikeouts in 12 2/3 scoreless innings.
The challenge for Mejia is to pair a decent secondary pitch with his naturally cutting fastball, which can reach the mid-90s. He wasn't able to do that last year with a developing curveball, but that pitch has improved, along with a changeup that could get Mejia to the majors sooner than expected this season.
