Metsprospect Brandon Sproat made his 23rd start of the season for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, but it became a night to forget.
The right-hander allowed five earned runs on three hits over 3.1 innings, striking out six Rochester Red Wings and walking three.
Sproat tossed a 1-2-3 first inning with two strikeouts before allowing two runs in the second inning. He bounced back for another 1-2-3 frame in the third inning, but things fell apart in the fourth inning.
The 24-year-old walked the first two batters he faced and allowed a two-run double as Rochester took a 4-2 lead. Sproat then got a ground out before another run crossed the plate due to Luisangel Acuña's fielding error. Richard Lovelady replaced Sproat and ended up allowing a two-run homer, tacking another run onto Sproat's scorecard.
Sproat's season ERA now sits at 4.40 after the rough outing. The five earned runs are the most he's allowed in a game since he gave up six earned runs in back-to-back starts on May 14 and May 20.
He was named International League Pitcher of the Month for July after pitching to a 0.67 ERA with a 0.81 WHIP and 33 strikeouts over 27.0 innings.
Despite Thursday's game, the righty may not make many more starts at Triple-A. Mets top pitching prospect Nolan McLeanis being called up to make his debut Saturday against the Seattle Mariners with Frankie Montas moving to the bullpen. Sproat could possibly join McLean in the bigs before the season and help New York during their postseason push.
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