Mets pitching depth facing another test after latest injury

The New York Mets' pitching depth has taken another hit.

Anthony DiComo from MLB.com reported that the Mets have placed pitcher Tylor Megill on the injured list with a sprained right elbow. Megill told reporters that he felt "pulling" in his elbow when throwing his off-speed pitches on Saturday and that an MRI showed a great deal of inflammation around the elbow. Laura Albanese of Newsday further reported that Megill said he does not have any ligament damage and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.

Megill is the second pitcher that the Mets have placed on the IL in the past week. Kodai Senga left his start on Thursday with a strained right hamstring and was placed on the IL the following day. 

Megill is the latest blow to a Mets rotation that has been hammered with injuries. Pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are both on the IL as well, although both pitchers are in the midst of their rehab outings. As Montas has posted a 13.17 ERA and a 2.341 WHiP over 13.2 innings thus far in his rehab, it is fair to wonder how much he will help the Mets rotation.

As it currently stands, pitchers Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn remain in the rotation. Prospect Blade Tidwell made his major league debut earlier in the year and could be an option despite allowing six runs on nine hits and three walks over 3.2 innings. Other potential options, such as Brandon Waddell and Jose Butto, may not be an upgrade.

At 45-27 entering Tuesday, the Mets hold the best record in the National League. While reinforcements may be coming soon, the Mets pitching depth will face a tough test for the foreseeable future.