Robert Stock to start Sunday for Mets

This was an encouraging outing for Stock after a rough previous start. The only run he gave up came after Francisco Lindor whiffed on a ground ball and he dug deep to escape a few other jams. Clearly not built up, his velocity fell sharply after he reached about 50 pitches, but that’s not a shock given his lack of starting experience in the big leagues. The Nationals also didn’t chase as many pitches out of the zone after their first time around the lineup. Still, he forced multiple whiffs with three of his four pitches and threw a few nasty cutters and changeups to left-handed batters. Stock has good enough stuff and misses and misses enough bats where you can squint and possibly see someone who can be a factor in (very) deep leagues should his stamina improve. He’s scheduled to face the Padres at home next time out.

It’s criminal that Stock gave up nine hits tonight; he allowed just two hard-hit balls and a total of three with xBAs over .400. However, he did keep making things worse by walking five batters and hitting another. The thrashing leaves Stock with a 10.13 ERA after two starts. The Mets will likely eventually want to give Jonah Tong or Jack Wenninger a look in Stock’s spot, but since neither is pitching particularly well lately in Triple-A, Stock could make another start next weekend against the Nationals.

Unfortunately, that resulted in a loss in a 2-0 game. Stock, though, acquitted himself nicely in allowing only three hits, walking none and striking out four. He topped out at 98 mph, which is pretty good for someone most thought was going to miss the season after being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in March. Assuming that he sticks around, he’ll face the Pirates next weekend.

The 36-year-old right-hander will start for the Mets on Sunday against the Marlins. Stock has made just two appearances in the big leagues since the 2021 season. He has made eight appearances (six starts) in the minors this season, where he has registered a 2.91 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and an intriguing 31/3 K/BB ratio over 21 2/3 innings. He could be worth a look as a streaming option in deeper mixed leagues on Sunday.

Warren had a strong showing during Grapefruit League action, compiling a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 5/2 K/BB ratio across five innings in his five appearances. He’ll almost assuredly get a chance to work out of the Mets’ bullpen at some point during the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old right-hander suffered the injury while pitching for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. It’s a tough blow for the veteran hurler, though he indicated optimism that he could return before the end of the 2026 campaign.

He’ll be replaced on the team by Tanner Jacobson. No word yet from the Mets on the severity of the shoulder issue for Stock or how long he’ll be shelved for. The 36-year-old right-hander as in camp as a non-roster invitee hoping to secure a role in the team’s Opening Day bullpen.

Garrett Stubbs tripled in the only run of the game today. Stock averaged 95 mph with his fastball as a Triple-A starter last spring, but he’s been up at 96.5 mph in his two appearances this spring and his cutter has been reliably in the low-90s. He’s going to be a long shot to make the Mets out of spring training, but he could see time in middle relief later on.

Stock heads to New York as organizational depth after making a pair of relief appearances for the Red Sox last season. The 36-year-old journeyman spent most of the year at Triple-A Worcester, recording a strong 3.92 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 96/36 K/BB.ratio over 85 innings over 19 appearances (15 starts), He’ll compete for a spot in the Mets’ bullpen during spring training.

Stock made single appearances for the Red Sox in April and June, allowing a total of three runs in 2 2/3 innings. He mostly started in Triple-A and was 5-4 with a 3.92 ERA and a 96/36 K/BB in 85 innings. His control has been an issue since he became a sidearmer, but he’s a tough at-bat for right-handers, and there’s still a chance he could contribute.