Mets’ Carlos Carrasco efficient in first rehab start with Double-A Binghamton

New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field
New York Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field / Brad Penner - USA Today Sports

Carlos Carrasco finished his first rehab start with the Mets’ Double-A affiliate, Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Tuesday night and made headway toward a return to the majors.

Carrasco (elbow) went three innings, giving up just one run to the Hartford Yard Goats. He scattered three hits and a walk while striking out one batter to put a bow on his night. The 36-year-old threw 33 pitches, 23 for strikes.

“Everything came out really good. All the breaking balls, especially the changeup," Carrasco said after his start. "I was looking for my delivery and I found it.”

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It’s unclear what the plan is for Carrasco before he rejoins the Mets, but the light workload on Tuesday could mean he’s up for at least one more rehab start. Of course, the team will have to wait and see how Carrasco feels coming off this outing before a decision is made.

When asked if he felt he was ready to return to the Mets, Carrasco was pretty forthright.

“I’m ready, but I’m not going to make that decision," Carrasco said. "I’ll hear from them what’s the next step and we’ll go from there."

"I hate to be on the IL," he added. "I just want to get ready to get back there and help the team.”

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Carrasco was supposed to have his first rehab start this past weekend, but the right-hander had an illness that pushed it back.

The Mets placed Carrasco on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on April 18, retroactive to April 16, a few days after making his third start of the season. The inflammation was later found to be caused by a bone spur.

In three starts this season, Carrasco is 0-2 with an 8.56 ERA. In his last start, against the Oakland A’s on April 15, Carrasco had the best start of the campaign going five innings, and giving up just two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three.