#Jacob deGrom uncertainty leaves Mets rotation in flux

“#Jacob deGrom uncertainty leaves Mets rotation in flux”

August 16, 2020 | 10:49pm

PHILADELPHIA — This much is clear in the Mets’ muddled rotation: Robert Gsellman and David Peterson are scheduled to pitch the next two nights in Miami.

Beyond that, there are still various questions to be answered, starting with whether Jacob deGrom will get the ball Wednesday. The Mets ace, who was scratched from his last start with neck tightness, played catch before his team’s 6-2 loss to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, but manager Luis Rojas later couldn’t conclusively say if deGrom will pitch against the Marlins. DeGrom would likely have to throw a side session Monday to be in play for his Wednesday start.

And then there is Steven Matz, whose ERA surged to 9.00 with his latest clunker, on Saturday against the Phillies. For a second straight day, Rojas would not commit to keeping Matz in the rotation. Rojas indicated he and the staff want to speak with Matz and break down his last start before reaching a conclusion.

The reinforcements at this point include Walker Lockett — who started in deGrom’s place Friday and allowed six earned runs over five innings — and Franklyn Kilome, who was recalled from the Mets’ alternate training site Sunday to provide bullpen depth.

Another emerging option — but probably not until at least next week — could be Michael Wacha, who threw a bullpen session Sunday and is scheduled for a simulated game Tuesday or Wednesday. Wacha has spent the past week on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Jeff McNeil pinch-hit in the ninth inning for his first appearance since leaving Thursday’s game with a left knee contusion after crashing into the left-field fence at Citi Field. McNeil was retired to end the game.

Pete Alonso was given the day off after an 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Saturday lowered his batting average to .214. Dominic Smith started at first base.

Slumping Amed Rosario was on the bench, with Andres Gimenez at shortstop. It was part of a defense-first lineup for Rick Porcello that included Luis Guillorme at second base and Billy Hamilton in center field. Rojas called it “a day to relax” for Rosario, who missed three games last week with a stomach bug. Rosario, who went 0-for-1 as pinch-hitter, owns a dreadful .485 OPS this season.

Brian Dozier was designated for assignment before the game to create roster space for Kilome.