The New York Mets are off to a disappointing start to the 2026 season, sitting at 9–16 and near the bottom of the NL East, prompting the team to make roster adjustments in search of more reliable pitching depth.
In response, the Mets have recalled right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. from the minors and optioned struggling starter Christian Scott, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. With two 40-man roster spots already open, no additional move was required.
Scott struggled badly in his most recent outing, lasting just 1.1 innings while issuing five walks and hitting another batter, raising concerns about his command that will likely need to be addressed in Triple-A.
Edwards Jr., a veteran with over a decade of MLB experience, began his career with the Cubs and was part of their 2016 World Series championship team. Across 300 major league appearances, he owns a 3.56 ERA and has shown the ability to miss bats with a mid-90s fastball and a sharp curveball that was not hit for a single base hit in 2025, according to Baseball Savant.
Although he has been used primarily as a starter in Triple-A Syracuse this season, his results have been uneven, posting a 5.29 ERA over 17 innings with more walks than ideal, but he is expected to provide much-needed length for a depleted Mets pitching staff.
Scott’s short outing further strained an already taxed bullpen, with Tobias Myers and David Peterson both throwing over 40 pitches in long relief and likely unavailable for immediate use.
Looking ahead, the Mets must also reconsider their rotation structure, as Scott may not be ready for his next turn, forcing the team to rely on a mix of Peterson, Myers, or possibly Sean Manaea to fill starting roles depending on performance and availability.
While Peterson has prior success as a starter, including an All-Star first half in 2025, his recent struggles suggest he may be better suited to relief work, while Myers has been effective in limited action since arriving in New York.
Manaea, the most experienced starter of the group, has been inconsistent throughout his career and has yet to find steady form this season.
As the Mets attempt to climb out of their early-season slump, their pitching decisions will be a key storyline moving forward.
