Mets moving struggling starter Houser to bullpen

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets have moved struggling starter Adrian Houser to the bullpen for at least one turn through the rotation.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced the decision before Friday night’s game at Tampa Bay.

Houser, who allowed four runs over five innings in Thursday’s 7-6, 11-inning win over the Chicago Cubs, is 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA in six starts this season.

“Right now he’s going through it,” Mendoza said. “He’s working really hard to his credit. We’re pretty confident that he’ll get back to the pitcher we know he’s capable of being.”

Houser was acquired from Milwaukee in December.

The Mets will have right-hander Christian Scott start in his major league debut in Saturday night’s game against the Rays.

Mendoza hasn’t ruled out using a six-man rotation.

Scott went 3-0 with a 3.20 ERA in five starts with Triple-A Syracuse.

The Florida native was eating in the Syracuse lunchroom on Wednesday when a team meeting was called. It was then he was informed of his promotion.

“It was super exciting,” Scott said. “I got to share it with all the guys in Triple-A too. Really cool experience, for sure.”

Scott, who attended the University of Florida, expects around 50 family and friends to be at the game, and added that his father was paying for the tickets.

Right-hander Tylor Megill, sidelined by a right shoulder strain, allowed one run and two hits over 2 2/3 innings for Double-A Binghamton against Hartford on Thursday. He threw 51 pitches,

“All the reports are positive,” Mendoza said. “He’s still on schedule for his next outing (with Binghamton or Syracuse early next week).”

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The Associated Press