Mets Make Unexpected Decision Before Diamondbacks Game

The New York Mets have assembled the best pitching staff in the Majors this season. New York currently leads all of baseball in team ERA, with a 2.60 mark. Additionally, they have surrendered just a .228 average to opposing hitters and have a WHIP of 1.21.

While the Mets’ pitching staff has been elite, they have not been without their challenges early this year. One of those challenges has been injuries to key pitchers such as Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea.

With the rash of injuries the Mets have dealt with, Skipper Carlos Mendoza has needed to do some reshuffling to keep New York’s momentum rolling. MLB’s Anthony DiComo took to his X account to report the Mets’ plans for Wednesday’s game.

“Huascar Brazobán will serve as an opener tonight ahead of left-hander Brandon Waddell,” he wrote. “It will be Brazobán’s second opening assignment of the season. Waddell, meanwhile, will be making his first MLB appearance since 2021, following stints in Korea, Taiwan, and the minor leagues.”

Huascar Brazobán will serve as an opener tonight ahead of left-hander Brandon Waddell. It will be Brazobán’s second opening assignment of the season. Waddell, meanwhile, will be making his first MLB appearance since 2021, following stints in Korea, Taiwan and the minor leagues. — Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 30, 2025

Brazobán has pitched well for the Mets so far this season. The fourth-year Major Leaguer has pitched to the tune of a 1.56 ERA in his 13 appearances this season. The 35-year-old has posted a 0.981 WHIP, 3.94 FIP, and 3.20 K/BB ratio. It appears he will get his second start of the season against a dangerous Diamondbacks lineup on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the recently called-up Waddell will provide relief when called upon by Mendoza. This is the second game of a three-game series between New York and Arizona.

Danny Young placed on IL, Brandon Waddell and Chris Devinski recalled

The Mets announced a flurry of roster moves this evening ahead of their game with the Diamondbacks. In the most pressing news, Danny Young was placed on the 15-day Injured List with a left elbow strain. With A.J. Minter also on the Injured List, this leaves the Mets without a lefty in their bullpen. Veteran reliever Chris Devinski has joined the Mets’ bullpen in a corresponding move.

The Mets recalled 30-year old Brandon Waddell from Triple-A Syracuse to be the bulk man of a bullpen game this evening behind opener Huascar Brazobán. Waddell has not appeared in the big leagues since making appearances for the Twins, Orioles, and Cardinals in 2021. Waddell spent part of 2022 and all of 2023 and 2024 playing in Asia, both in the KBO and the CPBL. Waddell has made five starts for Syracuse this season, posting a 1.54 ERA over 23 and a third innings.

In a corresponding move, last night’s bullpen addition, Kevin Herget, was optioned back to Syracuse. The Teaneck, NJ native pitched two innings last night, striking out one and allowing one run on three hits.

Finally, with his contract now finalized, Brooks Raley was transferred to the 60-Day IL, which means that the earliest he would be available to join the big league club would late June. Raley is currently rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery and has begun to throw bullpen sessions.