WASHINGTON — The Mets’ next rotation through rotation could, for the first time this season, include four of the five starters the team has been counting on as spring training begins.
Carlos Carrasco presented the Mets with that prospect on Sunday, after he pitched four scoreless innings for Double-A Binghamton in his second minor league rehab start.
The right-hander threw 52 pitches and then stretched after being removed by throwing bullpens, according to manager Buck Showalter.
“I try to think there are some potentially good things down the road with him as well,” Showalter said.
Carrasco has been on the injured list since April 18 with swelling in his right elbow due to a chip in the bone.
He will join Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Kodai Singha to give the Mets their fourth season veteran.
Verlander started the season on the injured list and has made two appearances since returning.
Scherzer served a 10-game ban for violating MLB’s rules on foreign substances and missed Final Tuesday with neck spasms.
Another rotation member with spring training starts, Jose Quintana, has been sidelined for at least July as he adjusts from rib surgery.
Dennis Santana, who was selected from Triple-A Syracuse, pitched a scoreless eighth inning in the suspended game.
After the game he was designated for assignment and replaced on the roster by Brooks Raleigh, who was activated from the injured list.
Lefty threw a sixth inning in the second inning of the doubleheader.
Seth Elledge was assigned the task of creating space on Santana’s 40-man roster.
Joey Lucchesi, who started the game with a suspension, was optioned to Syracuse before play resumed.
Showalter downplayed the Mets’ disappointing home run total this season. The Mets entered the day tied for 20th in MLB with 41 homers.
“Points scored are runs scored,” Showalter said. “I know relatively where we have been in the past and I think we will be again. We’re just going through this period, you’re always chasing that and good pitchers never give up on home runs. Our guys did a good job of doing things offensively against good shooters. When you’re up against the good guys, you want to be able to put the ball into play.”
