Jenrry Mejia is tired of hearing the buzz he might be headed to the bullpen.
“I don’t know why people talk about it, because we already had that conversation and [the Mets] know they have a starter and I want to be there,” Mejia told The Post. “They said they want me to be a starter. They’ve got to know. They’ve got to believe in me that I am going to prove myself.”
But team brass is continuing to mull options with Mejia, especially in the absence of a bona-fide closer. The fact Mejia has struggled in the middle innings in each of his last two starts hasn’t helped his case for starting. He is scheduled to start Friday’s game against the Phillies at Citi Field.
According to pitching coach Dan Warthen, an innings limit pertaining to Mejia has been discussed, but nothing has been finalized. Mejia said he is aware of the need for an innings limit given he pitched sparingly the previous three seasons because of injuries, but that doesn’t change his stance on wanting to stay in the rotation.
“I don’t want to be in the bullpen,” he said.
Warthen was asked if Mejia is better suited for the bullpen.
“He’s got three quality pitches,” Warthen said. “He’s got the ability to start.”
Dillon Gee is philosophical about the fact Mets pitchers are 0-for-58 at the plate to begin the season.
“The most important part, I think we’ve done a good job of getting our bunts down when we’ve had to do that,” Gee said. “I would rather struggle hitting than struggle bunting. At least we’re getting our bunts down and hopefully some hits will start coming.”
Gee said the cold weather early in the season prevents the pitchers from taking much batting practice, but he expects that will begin to change.
“I actually do think we have some guys that can swing,” Gee said. “I think I can get some hits. [Jon] Niese can normally get some hits. [Zack] Wheeler has a good swing, so I think they will come. We’re just in a bad slump right now for pitchers getting hits.”
Niese hit .205 last season for the highest average among the Mets pitchers with at least 20 at-bats.
David Wright has gone 132 at-bats without a homer, the longest drought of his career. Wright’s only homer this season came in the 10th inning on Opening Day against the Nationals at Citi Field.