Mets moving struggling starter Houser to bullpen

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets have moved struggling starter Adrian Houser to the bullpen for at least one turn through the rotation.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced the decision before Friday night’s game at Tampa Bay.

Houser, who allowed four runs over five innings in Thursday’s 7-6, 11-inning win over the Chicago Cubs, is 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA in six starts this season.

“Right now he’s going through it,” Mendoza said. “He’s working really hard to his credit. We’re pretty confident that he’ll get back to the pitcher we know he’s capable of being.”

Houser was acquired from Milwaukee in December.

The Mets will have right-hander Christian Scott start in his major league debut in Saturday night’s game against the Rays.

Mendoza hasn’t ruled out using a six-man rotation.

Scott went 3-0 with a 3.20 ERA in five starts with Triple-A Syracuse.