Mets are learning expensive lesson about starting pitching

So much of the philosophy around MLB starting pitching has changed in recent years.

It’s not quite yet at the groupthink level that seemed to attach itself to the idea a few years ago that NFL running backs were readily replaceable, but it’s on a similar trajectory.

Starting pitching has gradually become devalued. As the emphasis on max effort, high velocity and “stuff” has increased, starter’s workloads have decreased in favor of multi-pitcher strategies. A seven-inning start has become a rarity rather than an expectation. Keeping a starter in for the third time through an order is considered daring and almost taboo.

This week’s pivotal Mets-Phillies series is a good capsule of that development.