Mets Strengthen Bullpen with New Signing
The New York Mets have bolstered their bullpen by signing veteran right-hander Zach Pop off free agency. Pop, who was recently designated for assignment by the Mariners, reached an agreement with the Mets on Thursday, as confirmed by John Heyman.
The 28-year-old had a commendable 2.79 ERA over 11 minor league appearances with Seattle, and he allowed eight earned runs in 5⅓ Major League innings this season.
In recovery news, Sean Manaea, who has been dealing with a loose body in his left elbow, reported feeling “great” after his first rehab outing, where he threw 60 pitches over more than three innings on Wednesday. While pitching for Double-A Binghamton, he gave up three runs (two earned) along with six hits, and recorded three strikeouts.
Manaea had raised concerns during his last outing on June 19, but he mentioned that this first start back seemed to “pass the test.” He expressed satisfaction with how he felt on the mound and even laughed about the experience.
Looking ahead, Manaea intends to pitch again in a final rehab game on Tuesday, aiming to return to the Mets in Kansas City on July 13.
Manager Carlos Mendoza has made some adjustments to the lineup, as evidenced during their recent matchup against the Brewers. This time, facing left-hander Jose Quintana, he moved Brandon Nimmo from leadoff to the sixth spot.
Despite this shuffle, Francisco Lindor, who has fared well in the second slot previously, was positioned there once again, right behind designated hitter Sterling Marte. The strategy paid off, as the Mets edged the Brewers 3-2 at Citi Field.
Marte had two singles in four at-bats and scored a crucial run in the sixth inning, while Nimmo also made a significant contribution by scoring twice. Mendoza noted that lineup dynamics often depend on their opponents.
Nimmo’s home run during the game marked his 900th career hit, placing him among a select group of 14 players in franchise history to reach this milestone.
On the pitching front, Edwin Diaz secured his 18th save and made his 491st strikeout as a Met, tying him with Tug McGraw in the franchise’s history for the most strikeouts by a reliever.
In roster news, the Mets placed Blackburn and Dedoniel Nuñez (who has an elbow sprain) on the injured list. On the same day, they selected right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell and called up relievers Rico Garcia, Austin Warren, and Justin Hagenman.
Moreover, Soto took home the NL Player of the Month award for June after posting impressive stats: a .322 batting average, 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, a .722 slugging percentage, and a .474 on-base percentage.
Lastly, Jonah Tong has been recognized as the Eastern League Pitcher of the Month for the second consecutive time, recording a 3-0 record with a remarkable 0.93 ERA and striking out 43 batters in 29 innings.
