Concern Grows for Mets’ Pitching Staff
ATLANTA – Max Kranick has joined the ranks of the Mets’ pitching staff, which is increasingly worried about elbow injuries.
The relief pitcher was put on the injured list on Thursday after experiencing strain in his elbow, prompting him to return to New York for an MRI.
Earlier this week, Tyler Megill was also placed on the injured list due to an inflamed elbow.
Kranick had pitched in two games over the weekend after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse.
In his 24 appearances this season, he recorded a 3.65 ERA.
Dedonier Nuñez and Justin Hagenman have been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to provide additional support.
Ty Adcock has the option of creating an extra roster spot if needed.
Manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Kranick felt pain following his appearance on Sunday, and the team gave him some time to recover.
Despite being treated, he was still uncomfortable after a throwing session on Wednesday.
Mendoza noted that this situation resembles what Megill went through on his second pitch.
Nuñez made five appearances earlier this season for the Mets, struggling with a 7.36 ERA.
The right-hander was a crucial part of the Mets’ bullpen late last season, and Mendoza highlighted that Nuñez has shown recent improvements in his control.
“He especially has been engaging the strike zone and attacking hitters,” Mendoza stated. “He earned another chance because he effectively utilized his slider and secondary pitches recently. His role was significant for us last year.”
Hagenman had a decent outing with one scoreless inning of relief but will not be available for Friday’s game against Philadelphia due to his previous usage.
Consequently, the Mets first recalled Blade Tidwell from Triple-A Syracuse.
Tidwell, 23, made his major league debut last month in a spot start against the Cardinals, where he allowed six runs in 3²/₃ innings.
Meanwhile, Mendoza noted that Brett Baty is progressing after being sidelined for two consecutive days due to discomfort in his right shoulder.
