In 2000, Roberts' pitching improved for Norfolk and he was selected to the All-Star Futures Game. On July 27, 2000, with the Mets holding a slight lead in the National League wild card race, Roberts made his major league debut with a terrible start against the Montreal Expos, getting knocked out in the second inning. After what turned out to be the only start of his major league career, Roberts was sent back to the minors until September. When he returned, the Mets were comfortably in the wild card lead and Roberts was in the bullpen for three appearances, highlighted by a four-inning one-hit performance on the last day of the season. Roberts did not pitch in the postseason.