Mets demote Adrian Houser to bullpen as struggles persist

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — After six poor starts , Adrian Houser will get a new role for at least a turn through the rotation. The Mets righty has been demoted to the bullpen, at least for now, manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday before a 10-8 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field. Houser, who allowed four runs in five innings in a win over the Cubs on Thursday that lowered his ERA to 8.16, will be available as a reliever as soon as Monday. The Mets are putting off a more permanent decision on Houser's role until after an off day Thursday. At that point, Mendoza said, the Mets will decide whether to reinsert Houser to a rotation that may still include Christian Scott, the top prospect who will debut