Mets Starter Refining Fourth Pitch; Vying For Larger Role

In an effort to improve his value and earn a potential rotation spot when an injury occurs, New York Mets starter Tylor Megill is working on refining his curveball.

Megill, who primarily throws a four-seam fastball, changeup, and slider, has gradually increased the use of his curveball over his first two big league seasons. With some advice from Max Scherzer, Megill started experimenting with the pitch more last season and has continued to work on it throughout the winter.

The Mets beat the Marlins today, 8-4. Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio all homered. Tylor Megill mixed in his curveball over two innings.

The Mets are 3-3 in Grapefruit League play.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 1, 2023

During his first Grapefruit League start against the Miami Marlins, Megill mixed in the curveball and saw the potential for what it could become. Although the pitch needs some refinement and improvement, Megill knows when he wants to throw it and how beneficial it could be if he gets it where he wants it.

The right-hander hopes to use the curveball as a two-strike pitch and mix the variation of speed up, then go top-to-bottom zone-wise with his other pitches. 

First couple of fastballs from Tylor Megill are at 93-95 mph.

— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 1, 2023

Due to injuries last season, Megill made the Mets' season-opening rotation and went on to record a perfect 4-0 record in April with a sparkling 1.93 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts across 28 innings. He eventually faltered and was moved to the bullpen.

The twenty-seven-year-old won't be making the rotation out of camp this season, with all the Mets starters healthy, but he'll be competing with David Peterson to function as the club's sixth starter at times this season.

Megill's hoping the addition of a reliable curveball will give him a leg up in the competition for that role.
Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports