CHICAGO — Marcus Stroman’s arrival to the Mets is scheduled for Wednesday, after which the right-hander will throw a bullpen session and a decision will be reached on where to slot him in the rotation.
On Tuesday, manager Mickey Callaway only would say that Stroman will pitch at some point this weekend in Pittsburgh. Whether Stroman, who was acquired this week in a deal with the Blue Jays, pitches Friday or Saturday could hinge upon whether Zack Wheeler is traded Wednesday.
If Wheeler is dealt, Steven Matz could move up and pitch Thursday against the White Sox. If Wheeler remains, Matz would likely pitch Friday and Stroman a day later.
Either way, the manager is anxious to unveil the Mets’ new toy. Stroman last pitched on July 24.
“I have seen [Stroman] pitch a lot and this kid is an incredible athlete,” Callaway said before the Mets’ 5-2 win over the White Sox in 11 innings. “He’s got a great delivery and I love his two-seamer and I think it’s one of the most unique pitches in all of baseball and it’s going to be fun to watch him compete. He’s passionate and I think he’s a really good pitcher and he has been for some time.”
Ervin Santana was scratched from his start for Triple-A Syracuse Tuesday to provide the Mets with another potential option for the rotation on Thursday if Wheeler is traded. Walker Lockett cannot return before Aug. 6 unless the Mets place a player on the injured list.
Dominic Smith underwent testing for the stress reaction in his left foot, but Callaway said he hadn’t apprised of the results. Smith was placed on the IL on Saturday.
Matz said he planned to contact fellow Ward Melville High School (Long Island) alumnus Anthony Kay, who was sent to the Blue Jays in the deal for Stroman.
“It’s a great opportunity for [Kay], too — obviously Toronto wanted him over there,” Matz said. “Maybe he will get a chance.”
The Mets entered the day with eight players in double digits in homers (Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, Pete Alonso, Wilson Ramos, J.D. Davis, Todd Frazier, Amed Rosario and Smith). The Cubs and Phillies were the only other NL teams with eight players in double figures.