Photo by Jennifer Nieves, MMN

As reported by Betsy Helfand of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Las Vegas starter Corey Oswalt was held back from today’s start in case the Mets need him to make a start this weekend.

Jason Vargas was placed on the disabled list with a strained calf. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday, but with his not having yet attempting to run, chances are he will not be ready to start.

When Vargas’ spot in the rotation last came up, the team opted for a bullpen game with Jerry Blevins making his first career start. After the team allowed seven homers in that game, it appears the Mets would prefer to go with Oswalt.

While he has been called up on a few occasions, this will be Oswalt’s first career start. In his previous call-ups, he made one relief appearance allowing two runs on two hits with no walks and four strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched.