Robert Stock to make another start for Mets

It’s highly unlikely any fantasy managers were trusting Stock in this spot after he was lit up for seven runs by the Brewers his last time out. He kept putting zeroes on the scoreboard against one of the more potent lineups in the American League in this one, allowing just six hard-hit balls with exit velocities over 95 mph, while scattering five singles in the process. He finished with four strikeouts and didn’t hand out a free pass, throwing 50 of 72 pitches for strikes. The 36-year-old journeyman isn’t overpowering, but he fills up the strike zone and has managed to avoid getting burned by the long ball. This was his first win since April 5, 2019. Seriously. He gets a favorable road matchup against the Marlins his next time out on Monday.

Stock’s night spun out in the second inning when the Brewers had six straight singles that pushed four runs home. In classic Brewers fashion, not many of them were hit hard either and one even bounced directly off the mound. They could’ve done even more that inning too, but ran into a couple of outs along the way. Then, Brice Turang broke this game wide open a few innings later with a three-run home run. All in all, this was a start to forget for Stock and his rotation spot is likely on unstable ground ahead of his next turn.

Stock struck out six and walked three before departing. He’s pitched a total of 16 2/3 innings in his four starts this month, but he’s been effective in three of them. His next turn will come next Wednesday against the Brewers, though with two off days coming up, the Mets could push him back.

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.

All five hits Tong allowed were home runs, which is pretty amazing but certainly not what you’re looking for. Most of the home runs he gave up were on poorly located pitches that landed far too close to the middle of the plate. Command has been a huge issue for Tong this season, and the 23-year-old has posted a 5.46 ERA in Triple-A. It’s also come at the worst time, as the Mets could really use some help in the rotation.

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.

Stock will be added to the active roster before Sunday’s finale against Miami. The right-hander will have a chance to work relatively deep in the contest, but it’s hard to get too excited about Stock from a fantasy perspective.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman says it’s a hip issue, and it’s supposed to be relatively minor. Jonah Tong could be recalled to fill in for him. Kodai Senga was expected to make another rehab start, but he could be activated early.