Mets demote Tylor Megill, deal Escobar for 2 minor league pitchers - ESPN

PHILADELPHIA — The struggling New York Mets made a pair of moves to address their underperforming pitching staff Friday, optioning Tylor Megill to Triple-A Syracuse and also acquiring minor league pitchers Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels received veteran third baseman Eduardo Escobar in the deal along with cash considerations.

Escobar, 34, fills a need for the Angels at third base with oft-injured Anthony Rendon sidelined due to a bruised left wrist and Gio Urshela likely to miss the season with a broken pelvis. A 13-year veteran, he is hitting .236 with four home runs and 16 RBIs this season.

Megill is 6-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 15 starts for the Mets this season. He gave up 4 runs, 5 hits and 4 walks in 2⅓ innings Wednesday as New York lost 10-8 in Houston.

«Command has been the biggest issue,» manager Buck Showalter said before Friday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Showalter did not announce a replacement for Megill in the rotation Tuesday at home against Milwaukee, saying the club is considering several options.

Asked what the determining factor would be, Showalter said: «Who's your best option to win a game in the major leagues?»

Megill, 27, has issued 39 walks in 71⅓ innings this year. He walked 40 batters over 137 innings combined the past two seasons.

Showalter said the move to the minors will allow the right-hander to correct mechanical issues in a more relaxed environment.

«We talked about taking a breath and trying to get back to where he was,» Showalter said. «Obviously, we like him a lot and know he's capable of better. I look forward to him getting back in the mix.»

In place of Megill, the Mets recalled right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli from