#Mets’ Robert Gsellman’s return to rotation was a rocky one

“#Mets’ Robert Gsellman’s return to rotation was a rocky one”

August 13, 2020 | 2:35am

Nearly three years later, Robert Gsellman is returning to the rotation.

Though Walker Lockett appeared to be the favorite to fill Wednesday’s vacancy against the Nationals, Luis Rojas gave Gsellman his first start since Sept. 27, 2017, with plans to keep the right-hander in the injured Michael Wacha’s rotation spot.

Gsellman, who made 29 starts in his first two major league seasons before becoming a full-time reliever, was slated to throw as many as 60 pitches, but ended up limited to two innings and 33 pitches (22 strikes) in the 11-6 win at Citi Field, allowing three runs — on a Juan Soto homer to deep right — and four hits with one strikeout.

“Man, I was so nervous. I felt like a little kid again,” Gsellman said. “I don’t know how quickly I can ramp up, but … I’m prepared to go as a starter. Whatever they need. I love to start. That’s a lot more fun.”

Rojas said the team discussed employing an opener instead of a traditional starter going forward, but he prefers to use Gsellman, who had previously pitched just one inning this season — his only appearance in the past calendar year due to numerous injuries.

“[Gsellman] has the experience of being a starter already in his career. We know what he can do going through the lineup a few times,” Rojas said before the game. “Right now he’s part of the rotation. That’s how I see it. That’s what we’re looking for him for now for this season. Past that, that’s something we can always discuss, but right now that’s the plan with the current circumstances.”

Seth Lugo, who hasn’t made a start since 2018, has repeatedly expressed a desire in the past to rejoin the rotation, but Rojas refused to consider stripping his bullpen of its best arm.

“We haven’t had that conversation,” said Rojas. “The conversation that we’ve had is how valuable he is for our bullpen. … He can do so many things in the pen for us. He’s a guy that can get stretched out and be a starter very well, but right now he’s helping us out in the bullpen very well.”

Jeurys Familia struck out a career-high four batters in two innings of relief to earn the win, improving to 1-0. … Dellin Betances struck out the side in the seventh inning. … Brad Brach made his season debut, allowing one run in one inning.

Michael Wacha threw from 75 feet on Tuesday, the first time he had thrown since being placed on the 10-day injured list on Sunday with right shoulder inflammation. Rojas said Wacha “felt better,” but the right-hander’s return date remains unclear.

Robinson Cano (left abductor strain) simulated defensive innings on Tuesday and was scheduled to face live pitching on Wednesday. The 37-year-old second baseman, batting .412 this season, is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list on Friday.

Amed Rosario sat the second straight game due to a stomach illness. … Jed Lowrie, who was moved to the 45-day injured list on Aug. 2 with PCL laxity in his left knee, is undergoing a series of injections to help alleviate the discomfort in his knee.