The Mets and Carlos Mendoza are seeing a different Tylor Megill this season, one who has more confidence on the mound and trusts in his pitching arsenal, especially the newly developed sinker.
The righty showed just that on Monday in his best start of the season.
In front of 35,430 at Citi Field, Megill shut down the Phillies in a 5-4 victory.
Although he still has yet to reach six innings this season, the fifth-year starter only allowed one hit and four walks, and matched a career high with 10 strikeouts across 5 ¹/₃ innings.
“I just feel like now he knows that when he’s in the strike zone, stuff plays,” Mendoza said after the Mets’ fifth straight win.
The Phillies are the third-most disciplined team at the plate, holding a chase rate of 25.9 percent after Monday’s game.
Megill’s plan was to keep the ball in the strike zone.
He threw 92 pitches, 53 of them strikes.
Megill especially thrived on his fastball in more than half of his pitches, striking out two-time All-Star Nick Castellanos twice, largely using the four-seamer and sinker combo.
“That’s what we want to see,” Mendoza said. “Attacking Castellanos — it’s not a secret, he’s a really good hitter — and it was good to see him going right after [it]. That’s what you want to see. Challenge guys. Attack them.”
Megill’s performance dropped his ERA to 1.09.
He trails Ryne Stanek (1.08) and Kodai Senga (0.79) for the Mets.
“Regardless of the pitch, just kind of trying to attack-in-zone kind of deal,” Megill said. “Before coming in, I heard they were the lowest chasing team, which is completely different from where they were at last year. A lot of chase. … So, it was kinda up in the air what they were looking for. Overall, just attacking the strike zone, using my strengths to my advantage and playing to that.”
Megill only saw trouble in the top of the third inning.
With the Mets leading 2-0, Megill loaded the bases after Bryson Stott singled and Trea Turner and Bryce Harper walked.
He escaped the jam in a four-pitch battle with Kyle Schwarber, who struck out swinging on a 88.2 mph changeup.
“I’m definitely more confident in my stuff,” Megill said. “Obviously, [Mendoza] preaches, ‘Your stuff’s good. Just attack hitters.’ Obviously, it’s been showing.”
