New York Mets Series Preview vs. Miami Marlins April 16-19

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Can Gee Bounce Back?

Apr 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee (35) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the season, Dillon Gee was slated for a spot in the bullpen. But when Zack Wheeler was diagnosed with a torn ligament that needed Tommy John surgery, Gee was elected to replace him in the starting rotation.

There were some reports that the decision to put Gee in the starting rotation wasn’t as easy a decision as it seemed to be, as manager Terry Collins wanted him in there, while general manager Sandy Alderson supposedly wanted Rafael Montero to win the spot. Ultimately, Gee was awarded the spot but in one start thus far he has done nothing to cement it.

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In his first start of the season, Gee got roughed up a bit by the Atlanta Braves, giving up five runs in his five innings of work, including eight hits and only two strikeouts. If Gee puts up another poor performance against another team not exactly tearing it up at the plate, his spot in rotation could begin to be on a hot seat.

The Mets have no shortage of options to replace Gee, as Montero could step in from the bullpen, or they could call up one of their top prospects in Noah Syndergaard or Steven Matz. Gee will not have a long leash to figure things out either, as the Mets shopped him all offseason and would not be afraid to move him to the bullpen as they originally planned if his play causes a change to be made.

In his career Gee has been a better pitcher at home than on the road, so maybe pitching at Citi Field he will be able to turn things around a little bit. That, coupled with success against current Marlins, could be exactly what he needs.

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