Months after opening the season in the bullpen, Jenrry Mejia has returned to the Mets -- as a starter.

Mejia appeared in 30 games, pitching 27 2/3 innings as a 20-year-old who had such a live arm, the Mets just had to put him in the majors instead of continuing his progression as a starter. His 3.25 ERA was strong, but his 17/15 K/BB ratio was not.

Mejia went back to the minors, all the way down to rookie ball. He wound his way through advanced-Class A, Double-A and Triple-A before making it to the majors on the first day rosters expanded. Overall, he made nine starts (six in Double-A)  and published a sterling 1.29 ERA with 45 whiffs and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

As the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports, Mejia will start Saturday , displacing Pat Misch. The righty has the chance to be a top starter for the Mets, and could open next season in the rotation provided his September audition goes well.

 -- Evan Brunell

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