Jose ButtoPhoto by Press and Sun-Bulletin
Right-handed pitcher José Butto will make his major league debut for the Mets on Sunday, the team announced before the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Tim Healey of Newsday was the first to report the news.
Butto, 24, has been with the Mets organization since 2017. He posted a 4.00 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 20 games (18 starts) with Double-A Binghamton this year. In two Triple-A starts, he gave up four runs in six innings.
MMO‘s Michael Mayer noted Butto’s strong changeup, which complements a fastball that tops out at 96 mph. In five minor league seasons, he owns a 3.56 ERA with 9.1 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. His 3.4 BB/9 this season is the highest of his career.
Butto will be the 10th different pitcher to start for the Mets this year. As Deesha Thosar pointed out, in 2021 the Mets led the majors with 19 starters used.
Taijuan Walker was originally a consideration to start this game, but he was pushed back due to continued concerns about his back spasms. Carlos Carrasco was also knocked out recently and will have to miss at least a few weeks. With Saturday’s doubleheader, the Mets needed to have David Peterson make a start, opening up the necessity for yet another starter to pitch Sunday’s game.
Butto and the Mets will finish a four-game series with the Phillies Sunday at 1:35 pm ET.
