New York Mets Have Found X-Factor in Starting Rotation With Ace Injured

The New York Mets have found an X-factor in their starting rotation to help fill the void while their ace is out due to injury.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said José Buttó is "not going anywhere," following Sunday's victory over the Kansas City Royals.

So far this season, the 26-year-old Buttó has made two starts and has a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings pitched with a 0.75 WHIP and 15 strikeouts. Nine of those strikeouts came yesterday against the Kansas City Royals in a game in which Buttó gave up only two hits in six innings.

Mendoza has been very impressed with Buttó this season, stating, "he'll continue to get the ball. He'll get his chance, but it's good to see somebody stepping up. We've been talking about that since Day One. Guys are gonna get hurt, and guys are gonna get opportunities. And here he is."

As the Mets look to prolong their winning ways, they will have to continue to get strong pitching performances by Buttó, But if Buttó really is here to stay, whose rotation spot would he take once Kodai Senga returns?

So far this season, Adrian Houser has a 5.40 ERA in 10 innings pitched across two starts. He would figure to be the leading candidate to lose his rotation spot with the worst statistics of any starting pitcher on the roster. The Mets acquired Houser and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason.

As Mendoza said of Butto, "He can pitch. He attacked hitters today, but when he got behind in counts, he as able to pitch backwards. He found pitches to get back into counts. I told him, what a great outing."