NEW YORK —
The Padres expect Dinelson Lamet to be near the top of their rotation in 2020.
However, there is a sticking point to that end — one that troubled Lamet his rookie season and that he hasn’t been able to shake since returning from a 15-month layoff following Tommy John surgery.
A struggle to command his fastball doomed Lamet to a quick hook Wednesday, as he was lifted after throwing 80 pitches in four innings at the start of the Padres’ 7-2 victory over the Mets.
“If he wants to pitch deeper,” manager Andy Green said.