The bullpen door swung open and a surprise followed. It was Jose Butto, the Mets relief weapon. But why now? The Mets held a 10-run lead. Jose Butto has become a force out of the Mets bullpen. USA TODAY Sports It was a strange spot for Carlos Mendoza to use one of his most trusted arms. There was a reason for it. Its a decision we had to make there, the manager said after the Mets . We saw an opportunity to keep him stretched out somehow and give the bullpen a blow. He did a helluva job. He went out there, threw strikes and was able to finish the game. I thought it was important to keep his pitch count up. Well see what happens here [at the trade deadline]. Explore More Butto went the final three frames of this rout, throwing 44 pitches and putting himself in a position to start some point soon . There was another factor in play. The Mets bullpen was thin on Monday, down four arms due to recent usage. Butto, who started seven times earlier this season for the Mets, enabled the Luke Kornet Jersey rest of the bullpen to have the night off. The Mets could soon use Jose Butto as a starter. USA TODAY Sports But the more pre sing need is the final spot in the starting rotation in the wake of injuries to Christian Scott and Kodai Senga. For now, it belongs to Tylor Megill and his 5.20 ERA. That may not be the case for long. Its a fluid situation. It could be someone president David Stearns lands in a trade. It could be Butto, though Mendoza seemed to rule out that happening immediately. It doesnt nece sarily have to be next time through the rotation, the manager said. But if somehow we need him to make a start, we can feel comfortable with him going, I dont know, 70 pitches. Butto has been brilliant as a reliever. Hes allowed two earned runs and seven hits over 16 / innings while walking six and striking out 19. He has repeatedly said it doesnt matter how hes used by the Mets, as long as he has a role. He reiterated that on Monday. I say, if the team wants me to be a starter, [Ill] go out and be a starter. I just want to be here and help the team, he said. All my career Ive been a starter. But like I said before, if the team needs to be a starter, Ill be a starter. Ill be in the bullpen, if they need me in the bullpen. Im just happy to be here and grateful to be here. Tomas Satoransky Jersey