The New York Mets made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday to reset their bullpen and bench depth. The team activated right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia after claiming him off waivers, recalled reliever Justin Garza, and placed left-hander Brandon Waddell on the injured list. In corresponding moves, the Mets optioned outfielder Jared Young and right-hander Kevin Herget to Triple-A Syracuse. They also designated veteran Chris Devenski for assignment.
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Rico Garcia Joins Active Roster
Rico Garcia, recently claimed off waivers from the Yankees, officially joined the Mets’ active roster. The 30-year-old right-hander brings strikeout potential and bullpen depth to a Mets team seeking consistency in the later innings. In two games for the Mets, he didn’t allow a run on a hit. He didn’t issue a walk and struck out three in 4.2 innings. In his lone game for the Yankees, he allowed three runs on three hits. he walked two and struck out two in 2.2 innings.
He will now get another opportunity to prove he can translate that success to the majors. With several recent bullpen struggles, Garcia’s power arm could play a key role moving forward.
Justin Garza Recalled from Syracuse
Alongside Garcia, the Mets recalled Justin Garza from Triple-A Syracuse. Garza, in five games for the Mets this season, is posting a 5.40 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, and three strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Triple-A: he’s struggled going 1-0 with a 10.38 ERA in eight appearances, also posting a 2.19 WHIP, and seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings.
Brandon Waddell Heads to Injured List
Meanwhile, the Mets placed left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell on the 15-day injured list due to a right hip impingement. The move is retroactive to July 19. Waddell appeared in ten games since his call-up, posting a 4.00 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and 18 strikeouts in 27 innings. His absence leaves the Mets without a lefty in the bullpen for the time being.
Devenski Designated, Two Optioned to Triple-A
To accommodate the new additions, the Mets optioned both outfielder Jared Young and reliever Kevin Herget to Syracuse. Neither player made a significant impact during their recent stint in the majors, and the moves reflect a push for more productive depth options.
Additionally, the Mets designated right-hander Chris Devenski for assignment. Devenski in ten appearances posted a 2.38 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, and nine strikeouts in 11.1 innings. The Mets will now decide whether to trade, release, or outright him to the minors.
Mets Reshape Bullpen Picture
This series of moves reinforces the Mets’ focus on developing younger talent while adjusting the bullpen mix. With Garcia and Garza now on the roster, the team hopes to find more stability as they continue their second-half push.
