Robert Stock is likely to remain in the New York Mets' rotation following a challenging start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to interim manager Andy Green. Stock allowed eight earned runs over three innings in the outing, his second appearance 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 Sunday. "We’re still kind of being a little bit patient before fully committing to it."
The Mets are scheduled to start Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, and Zac Thornton against the Braves in the upcoming days. With a scheduled off-day on Thursday, Green has the option to skip Stock’s turn in the rotation on Friday. However, he expressed a preference for maintaining a five-starter alignment.
"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 explained. "As much as we would like to get those guys back on the mound quickly, the extra day is good for them."
Stock, 36, had previously allowed one earned run over five innings against the Marlins in his first start for the Mets.
In related team news, Carson Benge returned to the lineup after missing Saturday’s game due to a bone bruise in his left wrist. He went 2-for-5 with an RBI and reached base three times.
Jack Weisenburger made his major league debut on Sunday, pitching the final two scoreless innings. The right-hander allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts. He was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to provide a fresh arm for the team, with Xzavion Curry being 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," said teammate Sean Manaea.
Weisenburger becomes 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.